Posted by Pure E-Liquids on 25th Jul 2019
New guidelines published by the Royal College of Midwives has suggested that mums-to-be who are smokers should be supported if they choose to vape to help them quit smoking. A contentious subject to approach, but should pregnant women vape? Let’s take a look.
“Pregnant Women Encouraged to Vape” say New Guidelines
Guidelines on Smoking cessation during pregnancy published recently by the Royal College of Midwives, says that pregnant women should be encouraged to use e-cigs for help to quit smoking. However, the guidelines still warn that vaporizers still contain toxins, yet at “far lower levels” when compared to tobacco smoke.
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for you and when it comes to pregnancy. Smoking significantly increases the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth abnormalities and sudden infant death. Research also shows that women who quit smoking early in their pregnancy are at the same risk as those women who smoke throughout the duration.
Quitting smoking can be a stressful time for your body as you re-adjust to your natural state and it is, of course, important not to pass on any of that stress to your baby. But while vaping has proven to be a successful nicotine alternative to smoking tobacco, is it okay to vape while pregnant?
Should You Vape While Pregnant?
Here at Pure E-liquids, our advice would be to refrain from vaping if you are pregnant. While Public Health England informs us that e-cigs can be up to 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco and that vaping has the potential to help smokers become smoke-free, the impacts on long-term health are yet to be known. Becoming smoke-free may not initially be an easy ride, however, the long-term benefits to both you and your baby will far outweigh the, at times, uncomfortable reality of the withdrawing from cigarettes.
Ways to Stay Smoke-Free When You’re Pregnant
While we would typically advise against the route of going cold turkey, the journey to becoming smoke-free doesn't necessarily have to be one filled with dread. While it may sound like a cliché, good old positive mental attitude will provide a solid foundation to get started. Let your nearest and dearest know that you'll be quitting the cigarettes and that any extra love and support they can provide will mean a lot. It's important that friends and family offer friendly encouragement and avoid any negative nagging.
Should your spouse also be a smoker, research shows that couples who try and quit smoking together are up to 6 times more likely to achieve success compared to those who go it alone. Naturally, there will be a fairly important bundle of joy heading your way in the near future, so finding alternative activities to replace the habit of smoking are fortunately in abundance. Start nesting and preparing your home for your impending arrival. Perhaps even start a hobby like knitting and begin fashioning your baby's wardrobe? Why not work on some pelvic floor exercises? Every time you think about lighting up, simply spend the time contracting your pelvic muscles in preparation for the big day.
Good luck. You can do this!