Quitting Smoking during Pregnancy
Smoking is one of the most well-established causes of preventable birth defects and complications. Kicking this habit as soon as you think you might become pregnant is absolutely essential, as the nicotine and carbon monoxide levels found in even “light” smoking (one to two cigarettes per day) can have terrible consequences on several dimensions of your child’s development.
Different Approaches
There are several routes and options available to those hoping to quit, each with its own advantages and potential drawbacks. Among these are:
- “Cold turkey” – The common term for quitting suddenly and without any external aid, such as patches or medication. This method is obviously the safest for an infant, as every cigarette can have an impact on his or her health. While you’ll probably feel the symptoms of withdrawal for several weeks, the mother’s stress levels have not been associated with any problems for the infant. However, only 20% of those who choose this path are able to stick to it.
- Gradually cutting down – Although evidence suggests that, overall, slowly reducing cigarette intake is not any more likely to work than going cold turkey, it may be the only non-medicinal option for very heavy smokers (more than one pack per day). And while it may help ease withdrawal symptoms, it comes with the caveat that you are still adding to the risk factor for fetal complication with every smoke.
- Nicotine replacement – Available in an assortment of gums, patches, sprays, and other vehicles of delivery, these treatments seek to cut down withdrawal symptoms as you quit. These treatments are twice as effective as cutting down unassisted, but the fact remains that nicotine is entering the bloodstream and may end up damaging the fetus, although insufficient research exists on this point.
Contact Us
Hard as it is, quitting a cigarette habit is a responsibility that falls almost exclusively to the mother. However, other complications, especially during birth, may be the fault of the healthcare provider. If you or someone you love has been affected by such a case, contact the experienced team of Philadelphia birth injury lawyers at the law offices of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today by calling 215-238-1130.