Stop Smoking in Pregnancy
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life. It can be difficult to stop smoking — but it is never too late to quit, and support is available every step of the way.
Smoking during pregnancy exposes the developing baby to over 4,000 chemicals found in cigarettes, many of which can compromise growth and development and lead to serious health problems. Stopping smoking removes that exposure and immediately begins improving outcomes for both mother and baby.
Health Risks of Smoking During Pregnancy
How Smoking Affects Your Baby
- Reduced oxygen supply — carbon monoxide and nicotine make the baby’s heart work harder to get enough oxygen
- Increased risk of complications during pregnancy and birth
- Higher likelihood of premature birth, low birth weight, or respiratory problems at birth
- Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Slower growth and development throughout pregnancy
- Harm to the developing baby’s brain and lung development
Low birth weight babies — twice as common in smoking mothers — face greater risk of infection, breathing difficulties, and long-term health complications that can extend into adulthood. Stopping smoking completely is the most effective way to reduce these risks.
The Benefits of Stopping Smoking During Pregnancy
What Changes When You Stop
- Reduced risk of pregnancy complications — miscarriage, premature labour, placental problems
- A healthier pregnancy with reduced chance of premature birth
- Lower risk of the baby developing health problems after birth
- Better oxygen supply to your baby — this begins improving within hours of stopping
- Reduced risk of SIDS — one of the most significant preventable risk factors
- Better quality breastmilk and improved breastfeeding outcomes
“It is never too late to stop smoking in pregnancy. Quitting by the fourth month reduces risks like low birth weight and premature birth. Quitting at any point allows more oxygen to reach your baby. Every smoke-free day makes a difference.”
Methods to Help You Stop Smoking in Pregnancy
Various approaches can support you in stopping smoking during pregnancy. Your maternity care team can help you choose the most appropriate option for your situation.
Try Without Medication First
Healthcare guidelines recommend attempting to quit without medication as the first approach during pregnancy. Behavioural support, counselling, and trigger management can be effective on their own for many women.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators, nasal sprays, mouth sprays, oral strips, and microtabs provide nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes. NRT is considered safer than continued smoking during pregnancy — but always discuss with your doctor before using any NRT product, as even small amounts of nicotine carry some risk for a developing baby. 16-hour patches are preferred over 24-hour patches.
Counselling and Professional Support
Accessing support through your maternity care team, stop smoking services, or helpline counsellors significantly increases your chance of successfully quitting. Specialist pregnancy stop smoking services offer tailored guidance and ongoing support throughout your pregnancy and after.
Building Your Support Network
Tell close family and friends about your decision to quit. Their encouragement reduces the isolation of the quitting process and provides accountability during difficult craving moments. Ask any smoking household members to avoid smoking around you.
Avoiding Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke exposure also increases risks for your baby — including low birth weight and SIDS. Ensure no one smokes around you or in your home. Ask all household members to smoke outdoors only.
Support Resources
Where to Get Help
1-800-QUIT-NOW (USA) — Free quit coaching including specialist support for pregnant smokers
smokefree.gov — Online tools, apps, and community support for quitting smoking
National Smokefree Helpline (UK): 0300 123 1044 — Free support, Monday–Friday 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm
Quitline (Australia): 13 7848 — Free counselling support during pregnancy and after
Your maternity care team — Your doctor or midwife can create a personalized stop-smoking plan for your specific pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to stop smoking suddenly during pregnancy?
Yes — stopping suddenly (cold turkey) is safe during pregnancy and avoids any nicotine exposure from NRT products. It can be challenging, but with proper support, many women successfully quit this way. Talk to your midwife about getting the right support in place.
When is the best time to stop smoking during pregnancy?
The earlier the better — stopping in the first trimester provides the greatest benefit. But stopping at any stage reduces risk. Quitting by the fourth month significantly reduces the risk of low birth weight and premature birth. It is never too late.
Can secondhand smoke harm my baby during pregnancy?
Yes. Secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight, increased risk of SIDS, and other health complications. Ensure no one smokes near you, in your home, or in your car during pregnancy.
Will stopping smoking affect breastfeeding?
Stopping smoking improves breastfeeding outcomes — smoke-free mothers produce better quality milk in larger quantities and breastfeed for longer. If you continue smoking while breastfeeding, feed before smoking to give your body as long as possible to reduce nicotine levels before the next feed.
What support is available specifically for pregnant smokers?
Many stop smoking services offer specialist pregnancy support — including dedicated counsellors, tailored quit plans, and follow-up support after birth. Your maternity care team is the best starting point to access these services.
The Best Decision You Can Make Right Now
Quitting smoking during pregnancy is a significant challenge — but it is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make for your child’s health and your own. Support is available, and every smoke-free day is a better day for your baby.
Talk to your maternity care team today. You do not have to do this alone.
Talk to Your Midwife or Doctor Today.
Professional support is the most effective tool for stopping smoking during pregnancy. Take that first step.
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