Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy
Smoking while pregnant exposes both you and your unborn child to serious health risks. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your baby’s health — and it is never too late to stop.
Stopping smoking completely early in pregnancy provides the greatest protection for both mother and baby. But quitting at any stage of pregnancy reduces risk and allows more oxygen to reach your baby. Every smoke-free day matters.
Pregnancy Complications from Smoking
Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby. Some of the most serious risks include:
Ectopic Pregnancy
Pregnancy outside the uterus — usually in the fallopian tube — is more common in smokers and carries serious health risks.
Miscarriage and Stillbirth
Smoking increases the risk of both spontaneous abortion and fetal death in the uterus — risks that rise with the number of cigarettes smoked.
Placenta Problems
Smoking increases the risk of placenta complications including early detachment from the uterine wall and placenta praevia, which can cause serious bleeding.
Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight
Smoking mothers are twice as likely to deliver a low birth weight baby. These babies face higher risks of infection, breathing problems, and long-term health complications.
Effects of Smoking on Your Unborn Baby
Every cigarette smoked during pregnancy reduces oxygen supply to your unborn baby and exposes them to thousands of toxic chemicals. The specific effects on your developing baby include:
- Reduced oxygen supply and nutrients due to carbon monoxide and nicotine in tobacco smoke
- Slower growth and development throughout pregnancy
- Increased risk of birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate
- Weaker baby movements — fetal movements are reduced for at least an hour after each cigarette
- Impaired development and functioning of the placenta
- Harm to the development of the baby’s brain and lungs
Cutting down the number of cigarettes smoked does not significantly reduce most risks to you and your baby. Stopping completely is what provides the greatest protection.
Long-Term Effects on Your Child’s Health
Smoking during pregnancy can affect your child’s health for years to come. Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy face elevated risks of:
- Weaker lungs and reduced respiratory capacity
- Higher risk of asthma throughout childhood
- Low birth weight — linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure in adulthood
- Up to three times the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI/SIDS)
- Increased risk of being overweight and obese in childhood
- Increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Benefits of Quitting During Pregnancy
Reduced Pregnancy Complications
Quitting significantly reduces the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, placenta problems, and other serious complications.
More Oxygen for Your Baby
Quitting at any stage allows more oxygen to reach your baby immediately — even stopping later in pregnancy still provides meaningful benefit.
Healthier Birth Weight
Stopping by the fourth month of pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery.
Better Breastfeeding Outcomes
Smoke-free mothers produce better quality breast milk in greater quantities and are more likely to breastfeed successfully.
“It is never too late to stop smoking during pregnancy. Quitting at any point — even late in pregnancy — reduces risk and allows more oxygen to reach your baby. Every day without smoke is a better day for your baby’s development.”
Smoking and Breastfeeding
The risks of smoking extend beyond pregnancy into breastfeeding. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke can pass from mother to baby through breastmilk. Smoking can also reduce milk production and milk quality, and increase the baby’s risk of health problems including colic and disrupted sleep patterns.
If you are breastfeeding and finding it difficult to stop, try not to smoke before or during feeds. Breastfeeding first, then smoking afterward, gives your body the longest time to reduce nicotine levels before the next feed. Do not smoke near your baby.
Methods to Help Quit Smoking During Pregnancy
Several approaches can support smoking cessation during pregnancy. Always discuss options with your healthcare provider before beginning any quit-smoking method while pregnant.
- Try without medication first — healthcare guidelines recommend attempting to quit without medication as the first approach during pregnancy
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) — patches, gum, lozenges, mouth spray, and inhalators can be considered if other methods have not worked; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor first, as even small amounts of nicotine carry some risk during pregnancy
- Counseling and behavioral support — professional support through quit coaches, stop smoking services, or Quitline counsellors significantly increases quit success rates
- Behavioral habit replacement — addressing the hand-to-mouth habit and routine side of smoking alongside nicotine reduction
- Support network — telling close family and friends about your quit plan provides accountability and encouragement during difficult moments
Getting Support to Quit
Resources for Quitting During Pregnancy
Quitline (Australia): 13 7848 — Free support during pregnancy and after. Aboriginal Quitline counsellors also available.
National Smokefree Helpline (UK): 0300 123 1044 — Free advice and support, Monday–Friday 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm.
1-800-QUIT-NOW (USA) — Free quit coaching and resources for pregnant smokers.
smokefree.gov — Online tools, tips, and community support for quitting smoking.
Your maternity care team — Your doctor or midwife can create a personalized quitting plan and recommend appropriate support for your pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy?
NRT is generally considered safer than continuing to smoke, but even small amounts of nicotine carry some risk for a developing baby. Always talk with your doctor before using any nicotine-containing product during pregnancy to discuss the risks and benefits for your specific situation.
Does cutting down on cigarettes help during pregnancy?
Cutting down does not significantly reduce most of the risks to you and your baby. Stopping completely provides the greatest protection. However, quitting at any point — even late in pregnancy — is better than continuing to smoke.
Can I smoke around my baby after birth?
Secondhand smoke significantly increases a baby’s risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), respiratory infections, and other serious health problems. Never smoke near your baby, and ensure others do not smoke in environments where your baby spends time.
What is the most important time to quit during pregnancy?
Quitting as early as possible in pregnancy provides the greatest benefit. Stopping by the fourth month can significantly reduce risks including low birth weight and premature birth. But quitting at any stage helps — it is never too late.
Where can I get help quitting smoking during pregnancy?
Talk to your maternity care team first — they can create a personalized plan. You can also access free support through Quitline services, the National Smokefree Helpline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, and smokefree.gov, all of which offer specialized support for pregnant women.
Quitting Smoking Is One of the Most Important Things You Can Do
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the most meaningful steps you can take toward giving your child a healthy start in life. It can be difficult to stop smoking, but support is available — and it is never too late to quit.
Talk to your maternity care team today about the options available to you. Every smoke-free day is a better day for your baby.
Ready to Quit? Start With Professional Support.
Talk to your doctor or midwife first — then explore every tool and resource available to help you and your baby.
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