Smoking and Vaping During Pregnancy: NHS Guidance

Smoking in pregnancy: how to think about it

NHS guidance says that stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your own health and your baby, and that it is never too late to stop. Smoking in pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth and sudden infant death. Carbon monoxide and other chemicals reduce the oxygen reaching the baby, which is the main mechanism behind the growth effects. On vaping, NHS guidance takes a harm-reduction position: e-cigarettes are considerably less harmful than smoking and using one to stop smoking is better than continuing to smoke, but they are not risk-free and are not recommended for people who do not already smoke. Nicotine replacement therapy is available on prescription in pregnancy where it supports quitting. Free specialist support through NHS stop smoking services improves the chance of quitting compared with willpower alone.

Smoking: safer choices

• Stopping completely, at any stage. NHS guidance is clear that it is never too late and that quitting at any point in pregnancy brings benefits.
• Using free NHS stop smoking services, which have advisers trained specifically for pregnancy and better success rates than quitting unaided.
• Asking about nicotine replacement therapy. NHS guidance says NRT can be used in pregnancy if it helps you stop, and a midwife or pharmacist can advise on the right form.
• Asking others in the household to stop or to smoke outside, since second-hand smoke matters too.
• Being honest with your midwife about how much you smoke, so support is matched to your actual situation.

Smoking: what to avoid or double-check

• Do not assume cutting down is enough. Guidance is to stop rather than reduce, because there is no safe level.
• Avoid second-hand smoke where you can, including in cars and indoors at home.
• Do not start vaping as a permanent substitute. NHS considers vaping far less harmful than smoking and better than continuing to smoke, but not risk-free and not something to take up if you do not already vape.
• Do not use unlicensed nicotine products or unregulated vape liquids. If you use NRT, use a licensed product with advice.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama is a label checker rather than a smoking cessation service, but it can help with related products people ask about, including nicotine replacement products, and it can flag ingredients on the other things you use day to day.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

• NHS stop smoking in pregnancy
• ACOG tobacco, alcohol and drugs in pregnancy