4 Tips to Quit Smoking While Pregnant
Chances are, you’ve tried to quit smoking before your pregnancy. We understand how difficult it can be to quit and know you want to give your baby the best life possible. Pregnancy is an excellent incentive for stopping but can limit your options.
In this article we’ll go over your best resources for quitting to help keep your baby developing normally during pregnancy and beyond.
1. Create a List of Reasons Why You Want To Quit Smoking
Your baby might be at the top of the list when it comes to reasons why you want to quit smoking. It’s essential to include goals for yourself as well since your overall happiness and health can affect your baby’s development. Keep this list handy and refer to these incentives every time you have a craving.
2. Start a Support Group
Deciding to quit smoking is easier said than done. Positive encouragement can make a big difference during the process. Tell your friends and family you’re quitting smoking and they’ll help keep you accountable.
3. Be Kind To Yourself
Battling an addiction is not always easy. Take small steps and one day at a time. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. If you relapse, get back on track. No matter which stage you’re at, it’s never too late to quit smoking while pregnant.
4. Get Free Advice
There are endless resources available for women who are trying to quit smoking while pregnant. A virtual clinic, Smoking Cessation for Pregnancy and Beyond highlights a few of the online resources available to smokers and their families.
Resources to Help You Quit Smoking During Pregnancy
1. 1-800-QUIT-NOW – Provides free coaching and education in addition to local referrals to help support your decision to quitting smoking.
2. Tips From Former Smokers – Real people provide tips to quit from their experiences.
3. Smokefree Women – Information and resources exclusively for pregnant and non-pregnant women.
4. Smokefree.gov – Provides resources for smokers who want to quit.
5. Become an EX – A program for pregnant and postpartum smokers developed by the American Legacy Foundation.
6. Stay Away from Tobacco – Resources for patients and providers to help people break the addiction of smoking.
7. The March of Dimes – Tips for women who are pregnant and looking for ways to stop smoking.
Talk to Your OB-GYN About Quitting Smoking
Taking the first step to quitting smoking is huge! If you need any help or advice during your pregnancy, Ob-Gyn Women’s Center of Lakewood Ranch is here to help you. Please call us today or schedule an appointment online.
