Smoking: Women who quit during pregnancy can still harm their babies

A study reveals that smokers who quit while pregnant can still harm their children. Dr Melek Rousian, a researcher, stated:

The results of this study emphasise the importance of smoking cessation prior to conception and that efforts to help women stop smoking should focus on this time window.

If possible, women should stop smoking from the very moment they plan to become pregnant, but it's always a good thing to stop smoking anyway, particularly at any stage of pregnancy.

Don’t harm your baby

According to the study, which was conducted in Rotterdam, Netherlands, smoking before and after pregnancy resulted in smaller foetuses at 20 weeks. The researchers are currently finding ways that will help future parents to quit smoking, including face-to-face consultations, follow-up visits, and digital interventions. Dr Rousian explained:

Smoking not only impacts an embryo's growth during pregnancy and birth weight but also embryo development right from the very early stages of pregnancy.

This is why the periconceptional period is an important area of research because many future parents are not aware of the presence of a developing embryo in the early days when a pregnancy has not yet been confirmed.

Ways to quit smoking

When you're attempting to quit smoking, cravings for tobacco might be exhausting. Tobacco cravings or urges to smoke can be vital for most tobacco users. To reduce and resist cravings, follow these guidelines:

Nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine withdrawal can cause headaches, impair your mood, and drain your energy when you stop smoking. It's difficult to resist the urge to take just one drag. Nicotine replacement therapy can help you control your cravings.

Prescription pills

Medicines can reduce urges and make smoking less pleasurable if you do decide to smoke. Other medications can help with withdrawal symptoms like depression and concentration issues.

Lean on your people

Inform your friends, family, and other close friends that you are attempting to quit. They can help you stay motivated, especially when you're tempted to light up. Behavioural therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aids in the identification and implementation of smoking cessation programmes.

Avoid triggers

It's more challenging to keep to your no-smoking aim when you've had a few drinks. So, while you're first quitting, try to keep alcohol to a minimum. Similarly, if you frequently smoke while drinking coffee, try switching to tea for a few weeks.

Chew on it

To combat a cigarette craving, give your tongue something to do. Chew sugarless gum or hard candies, or eat raw carrots, celery, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a pleasing crunch.

Relaxing techniques

Smoking could have been a coping mechanism for you when you were stressed. Relaxation practises, such as deep breathing exercises, muscular relaxation, yoga, visualisation, massage, or listening to relaxing music, can help relieve stress.