Smoking and drinking during pregnancy

jensavicci · December 2013

Ok so I saw a post on another pregnancy app about whether or not it's okay to smoke weed/cigs and drink alcohol during pregnancy. Naturally I was appalled and shocked that it was even a question but, apparently in some research it's okay to do both occasionally when pregnant. I personally would never do either regardless of research (not to mention i don't use weed or smoke period) but I'm curious if this is actually more common than I thought and why.

Myanswer true · December 2013

I'm pretty sure I'd still be side-eyeing any pregnant lady I saw drinking alcohol or smoking. I'm a teacher and have seen way too many FAS students, as well as children dealing with developmental delays due to their mother smoking while pregnant. Not worth the risk!

Moroccogal · December 2013

I think I saw the same post! I was wondering the same. You hear more about women enjoying a small glass of wine once in a while but weed??!!??!!!!

TricksyPixie · December 2013

Yeah, I didn't smoke anything or drink prior to pregnancy, I don't think I'm gonna change that.

jensavicci · December 2013

Right?! I hear about the small glass of wine too but I wouldn't even chance that.

ksuRN09 · December 2013

There are A LOT of dangers associated with smoking during pregnancy. Low birth weight, placenta abruptia, prematurity, late term miscarriage, newborn nicotine withdrawal (slightly similar to drug withdrawal), higher risk of GERD, SIDS, and respiratory problems. None of these are definite but the risk isn't worth it in my opinion.

As far as drinking during pregnancy, it's not for me but to each their own. As long as no one takes it overboard obviously.

BPer · December 2013

Oh, so you guys stopped getting high while pregnant? I guess now is as good a time as any...

tealowl · December 2013

I have an article written by an RN about marijuana use in pregnancy, I will try to find it so I can link it...

I am a supporter of marijuana legalization, although I do not partake in it.

I personally know some woman who have occassionally smoked marijuana to combat morning sickness. And these woman are smart, well educated, and their children are perfectly healthy.

There is a HUGE difference between taking a few hits from a pipe every so often, and like, smoking bongs all day long for 9 months.

I also know women who smoked cigarettes during pregnancy and their kids are fine.

I will drink a glass of wine I'm sure here and there. I have already quit smoking, I have an aversion to it anyway. I do not smoke pot.

I guess I haven't seen any negative effects personally in my life of women and occasional/sporactic/light/rare (key words) use of marijuana and alcohol and cigarettes.

BPer · December 2013

I had the occasional glass of wine, or beer last pregnancy. My doctor is all about "anything in moderation". That being said, my anxiety meds are a huge no no during pregnancy, so she recommended a glass of wine if I was feeling really stressed.

biglewzer · December 2013

I drink wine while pregnant, and stout (damn I love stout season). So does pretty much the entire continent of Europe and they do not have a higher incidence of FASD.

helloblueeyes · December 2013

Ok, so i have stoner friends. My DH has his medical card. He doesn't smoke around me or in the car or anything. He refuses to smoke around our kid or anyone else's kid, and plans to slow way down after this one is born.

I have a friend in particular who smokes because she says it helps with her ovarian cysts, her and her DH have said before that they have researched it and that there is evidence that suggests that weed isn't any more harmful then cigarettes during pregnancy, that the main component that does any harm is the actual inhalation.

They have been ttc since Jan without success, but i think i have heard her say she doesn't plan to stop when she does get KU.

Personally it's not something i would ever chance with cigs, weed or alcohol. In fact it one of the reasons why my ex and I broke up, she refused to cut back or quit when we had kids, she saw no reasons why it would be a bad idea to drop acid around your kid.

PenelopeSnuz77 · December 2013

I have horrible respiratory issues that my doctors attribute to my mom being around second hand smoke when she was pregnant. I was then around second had smoke as a child.

It has continued into adult hood and is fucking awful.

You have no idea how it is going to affect your child, and saying "so and so's kid is fine so smoke away" is so irresponsible. Babies born to smoking mothers have more frequent colds, bronchitis, weakened immune systems.

biglewzer · December 2013

Smoking (anything) is just gross to me.

This all stems to the one time when I was 8 and I rolled up a paper plate and lit it on fire thinking I could write my name in smoke like the Indian guy does on Looney Tunes. Well, inhaling burning paper plate is how I imagine inhaling any burning thing would be. Scarred me for life.

Think I'd go to jail if I encouraged my children to do this? It definitely kept me from smoking.

emineminem · December 2013

I LOVE beer. It's the hardest thing I've given up. That being said, I have given it up entirely but I do still have one tiny sip of DH's if its a new one I want to try. Do you think that's bad? He seems to think its the worst thing in the world...I'm the daughter of an alcoholic, who died from her disease. I know better than to drink during pregnancy...but, a sip? Just to wet my lips and get a taste?! Doesn't seem like it could possibly be enough to reach baby. I also by some miracle quit smoking about two weeks before conception.

I hate seeing pregnant women smoke and drink because yes there are studies saying a glass of wine here or there is ok or that if you were a heavy smoker you shouldn't quit altogether cold turkey, but it just seems so wrong to me. If its a matter of your child's well being, why take the risk?

Edit: grammar is hard. Also, I think drinking is a personal decision and if your doctor ok's a glass of wine who am I to judge? My history just makes me sensitive to the subject I think...

Mrs.DeRuysscher · December 2013

i don't smoke and don't plan on drinking during pregnancy, but that being said both my "SIL" and my god sister smoked during their pregnancies both are healthy and developed perfectly my nephew is very smart. but they never quit smoking because their doctors said if they quit it would be more harmful on the baby then them actually smoking i know they cut back on the amounts they smoked though.

Jbosarge85 · December 2013

My stepsons mother smoked the whole time she was pregnant with him. He was born early and has the emotional and mentality of a 5 or 6 year old and he is 9. I believe it has a lot to do with the fact that she smoked the whole pregnancy. I didn't smoke before and I won't be smoking now or later. Honestly, I heard that they are going to start fining parents for smoking with children in the car, smoking while pregnant is worse so they should fine for that too. The drinking, eh, I don't drink either but I've heard that's no big issue as long as it's in moderation. Pot, my ex-husband was addicted to pot (they say you can't get addicted but his $500 a month pot budget said different), so I'm not a huge fan of pot.

Csmama123 · December 2013

I can't bring myself to drink a cup of coffee since caffeine has negative research during pregnancy... Crazy to me to think people drink alcohol and smoke or are around second hand smokers (which btw includes the smell in somebody's car/on their clothes etc)
while expecting. I think it's disgusting.

orchidhunter · December 2013

I LOVE beer. It's the hardest thing I've given up. That being said, I have given it up entirely but I do still have one tiny sip of DH's if its a new one I want to try. Do you think that's bad? He seems to think its the worst thing in the world...I'm the daughter of an alcoholic, who died from her disease. I know better than to drink during pregnancy...but, a sip? Just to wet my lips and get a taste?! Doesn't seem like it could possibly be enough to reach baby.

I'm sure a sip won't hurt! I've been smelling my husband's beers rather than tasting them. My dad tried to convince me that a small glass of champagne to celebrate would be okay, and while I'm sure it wouldn't be a huge deal, I'd rather not risk it in the first trimester. I'm playing it safe in a lot of areas, even forsaking high fructose corn syrup (and I LOVE Coca-Cola, so this is extremely difficult).

As for smoking pot while pregnant... I know women who have, and their babies seem okay, but that's just anecdata. I read about it a little bit and it seems that the studies that have been done are inconclusive because in the cases where the baby might have been affected, the mother was also doing other things like drinking and other drugs. We do know that the baby inhales the smoke, too, so that is more than enough reason for me to stay away.

I wonder about eating baked goods? I personally won't be doing it, but it would be interesting to see some conclusive research.

michellexm · December 2013

Sgreen19 said:

i don't smoke and don't plan on drinking during pregnancy, but that being said both my "SIL" and my god sister smoked during their pregnancies both are healthy and developed perfectly my nephew is very smart. but they never quit smoking because their doctors said if they quit it would be more harmful on the baby then them actually smoking i know they cut back on the amounts they smoked though.

If their doctor was smarter, they would have encouraged them to get on nicotine replacement therapy instead of smoking through the pregnancy....at least that way they wouldn't go through withdrawal, but also wouldn't be exposing their fetuses to the truly toxic stuff in cigarettes (it's not the nicotine).

biglewzer · December 2013

I wonder if smoking pot helps with extreme nausea while pregnant like it does with chemotherapy patients? Clearly, pot would be a more natural choice than prescription drugs.

I write this as someone who doesn't get nausea while pregnant and has never smoked pot. However, I'm all for cancer patients being comfortable and some of your morning sickness stories seem like pure hell.

biglewzer · December 2013

orchidhunter said:

I LOVE beer. It's the hardest thing I've given up. That being said, I have given it up entirely but I do still have one tiny sip of DH's if its a new one I want to try. Do you think that's bad? He seems to think its the worst thing in the world...I'm the daughter of an alcoholic, who died from her disease. I know better than to drink during pregnancy...but, a sip? Just to wet my lips and get a taste?! Doesn't seem like it could possibly be enough to reach baby.
I'm sure a sip won't hurt! I've been smelling my husband's beers rather than tasting them. My dad tried to convince me that a small glass of champagne to celebrate would be okay, and while I'm sure it wouldn't be a huge deal, I'd rather not risk it in the first trimester. I'm playing it safe in a lot of areas, even forsaking high fructose corn syrup (and I LOVE Coca-Cola, so this is extremely difficult).

As for smoking pot while pregnant... I know women who have, and their babies seem okay, but that's just anecdata. I read about it a little bit and it seems that the studies that have been done are inconclusive because in the cases where the baby might have been affected, the mother was also doing other things like drinking and other drugs. We do know that the baby inhales the smoke, too, so that is more than enough reason for me to stay away.

I wonder about eating baked goods? I personally won't be doing it, but it would be interesting to see some conclusive research.

Are we talking pot baked goods or regular baked goods? I can assure you that regular baked goods are not going to harm your baby.

michellexm · December 2013

Csmama123 said:

I can't bring myself to drink a cup of coffee since caffeine has negative research during pregnancy... Crazy to me to think people drink alcohol and smoke or are around second hand smokers (which btw includes the smell in somebody's car/on their clothes etc) while expecting. I think it's disgusting.

I have a huge aversion to smoke...it smells terrible; I am annoyed being around it. I was born very small and all the nurses accused my mother of smoking during pregnancy. She didn't, but I've come to think it was all the second hand smoke she was around. Back in the 80s, it wasn't recognized as an issue...

I'd love a glass of wine now and then, but I just think forgoing it for nine months is easier than worrying if I've had too much. As for coffee, I still drink that, but I definitely don't crave it like I used to.

orchidhunter · December 2013

biglewzer said:

orchidhunter said:

I LOVE beer. It's the hardest thing I've given up. That being said, I have given it up entirely but I do still have one tiny sip of DH's if its a new one I want to try. Do you think that's bad? He seems to think its the worst thing in the world...I'm the daughter of an alcoholic, who died from her disease. I know better than to drink during pregnancy...but, a sip? Just to wet my lips and get a taste?! Doesn't seem like it could possibly be enough to reach baby.
I'm sure a sip won't hurt! I've been smelling my husband's beers rather than tasting them. My dad tried to convince me that a small glass of champagne to celebrate would be okay, and while I'm sure it wouldn't be a huge deal, I'd rather not risk it in the first trimester. I'm playing it safe in a lot of areas, even forsaking high fructose corn syrup (and I LOVE Coca-Cola, so this is extremely difficult).

As for smoking pot while pregnant... I know women who have, and their babies seem okay, but that's just anecdata. I read about it a little bit and it seems that the studies that have been done are inconclusive because in the cases where the baby might have been affected, the mother was also doing other things like drinking and other drugs. We do know that the baby inhales the smoke, too, so that is more than enough reason for me to stay away.

I wonder about eating baked goods? I personally won't be doing it, but it would be interesting to see some conclusive research.

Are we talking pot baked goods or regular baked goods? I can assure you that regular baked goods are not going to harm your baby.

Haha, definitely pot! I have had so many regular baked goods

I'm talkin' the THC kind.

SimpleComplexity · December 2013

I would have an occasional (maybe once a yr) drink before and was not a smoker. If I drink again it won't be until after I have the baby. I was around secondhand smoke 2-3 times/ wk and have cut that out as well.

acciovino · December 2013

Sgreen19 said:

i don't smoke and don't plan on drinking during pregnancy, but that being said both my "SIL" and my god sister smoked during their pregnancies both are healthy and developed perfectly my nephew is very smart. but they never quit smoking because their doctors said if they quit it would be more harmful on the baby then them actually smoking i know they cut back on the amounts they smoked though.

Utter BS.

Sorry. My DH stopped smoking cold turkey the day DD was born. Never looked back. I just think it's selfish to continue to smoke when it is proven to cause problems. I mean, do you REALLY need a cigarette that bad? There are absolutely no health benefits to smoking cigarettes anyway.

I've never smoked so maybe I don't get it, but if something I did was known to cause problems for my unborn child, I would quit in a heartbeat. Yes it's hard, but it's not impossible.

My grandmother's OB prescribed her DIET pills to take while she was pregnant with my mom. Just because my mom came out fine, doesn't mean that other babies did.

It's just not a risk I would be willing to take.

V1981 · December 2013

I know plenty of people who have an occasional glass of wine while pregnant. With my ds I had some champagne at a wedding 2 days before he was born.

krdesi · December 2013

I would totally be judgy wudgy towards any woman I saw smoking and drinking during her pregnancy. I have never been a smoker and I am not a big drinker, so it is definitely not an option for me. If you can't give up your smokes and wine for at least 9 months, then maybe don't get pregnant.

I come from the perspective that it took a LOT to get this baby and I don't want to do anything that will add risk for them...there are too many things that can go wrong as it is!

VTKatie · December 2013

I had a mimosa on my bday and a beer on vacation. My doctor was fine with it.

INmommy871278 · December 2013

My SIL smoked and drank heavily with her first. He almost died from SIDS, but MIL walked in and freaked out which scared him back to breathing. They found out he his lungs had not developed properly and he ended up on a breathing machine which had alarms that went off if he stopped breathing while he was sleeping. They believe the lungs didn't develop due to SIL continually smoking during pregnancy.

While in college I dated a guy whose female friend had a 3 year old, she drank during her entire pregnancy and he has a learning disability and emotional issues, which studies have found to be caused by a mother who drinks during pregnancy.

My grandma smoked through all four of her live pregnancies and the ones she lost to m/c. All four kids were born with low birth weight, which now studies have found smoking to cause low birth weight.

I'm in the mindset of to each their own, but there are numerous studies showing the long term effects of excessive drinking and smoking during pregnancies. Without actually seeing the study OP is referencing i don't know if the study is saying occasional use or regular use, but I would question a study saying use of alcohol or pot is ok based on dozens of previous studies done showing otherwise.

biglewzer · December 2013

Key word being excessive

abunai523 · December 2013

I've never smoked, and I do enjoy a good drink but I haven't had any at all since we found out and probably never will. I am still paranoid about the drinks I had a week before we found out (period was due, test was negative so I thought I was safe) so it's a no go for me personally.

allardr · December 2013

I wouldn't side eye a pregnant woman enjoying a glass of wine (I wouldn't personally drink at all, but I wouldn't judge that) Smoking of any sorts I would though!

Mrs.DeRuysscher · December 2013

i agree they should have done something to try and quit/ they should have quit but because there doctors told them that they didn't they just cut back i'm so glad that the children came out healthy as ever my godsisters son was 9lbs so i'm glad neither of the babies were effected. But i do agree with everyone that they shouldn't smoke. I am lucky to have caring people around me that do smoke do not come around me when they are even to the point that if they usually smoke in their vehicle if i'm with them they will not even on long car rides.

ashesandpearls · December 2013

I have read enough trustworthy seeming (well researched/from reputable sources) information to be convinced that a small, occasional glass of wine or beer is not known to be harmful. I am still choosing not to drink at all (just to be on the safe side), but I wouldn't think badly of a woman if she told me she was having, say, a glass wine once in a while.

From everything I have read smoking tobacco is really, really bad for the baby and marjijuana is not well studied, but has NOT been found to be safe and there is some indication that it could be really harmful. Maybe it is easy for me to say, because I never smoke anything anyway, but I seriously question the priorities of anyone who continues to smoke through their pregnancy.

jamboree jess · December 2013

futuremrsbrian said:

I've never smoked, and I do enjoy a good drink but I haven't had any at all since we found out and probably never will. I am still paranoid about the drinks I had a week before we found out (period was due, test was negative so I thought I was safe) so it's a no go for me personally.

I'm in the same boat, DH and I were just casually trying to conceive, so I hadn't stopped drinking.(just slowed down) I had a handful of drinks in the first couple of weeks of pregnancy, and the guilt is always in the back of my mind

I tested positive at 4 weeks, so I stopped at that moment but still, I worry if any damage was done.

mrscurlygurl · December 2013

jamboree jess said:

futuremrsbrian said:

I've never smoked, and I do enjoy a good drink but I haven't had any at all since we found out and probably never will. I am still paranoid about the drinks I had a week before we found out (period was due, test was negative so I thought I was safe) so it's a no go for me personally.

I'm in the same boat, DH and I were just casually trying to conceive, so I hadn't stopped drinking.(just slowed down) I had a handful of drinks in the first couple of weeks of pregnancy, and the guilt is always in the back of my mind I tested positive at 4 weeks, so I stopped at that moment but still, I worry if any damage was done.

With DS, we went on vacation to Costa Rica the week before I got my BFP. We stayed at a place where we had an all-inclusive deal. I had a lot of wine that week. He's fine

I tend to think the people who judge women who have the occasional glass of wine or beer during pregnancy are people who rarely drink period. They likely don't understand how one glass will or will not affect the person. Smoking ANYTHING during pregnancy just seems extremely dumb. Smoking in general is a hot button issue for me, but smoking as a pregnant person and then as a parent makes me want to cut someone.

cyndelgrace · December 2013

If I was going to use marijuana during pregnancy to combat morning sickness, I would choose an edible or vaporize in the most moderation that would provide relief. That being said, I won't be doing either. I don't think a glass of alcohol here and there is a big deal either but I doubt I will partake in that either...

TurtleMonsters · December 2013

In moderation I don't see where you'd give your child any problems. Not saying to do any of it, but the children with problems are the ones that had exposure to whatever 24/7 for nine months. Not from moms doing it here and there. personally, I quit cig's, cold turkey, I can't smoke now, it makes me ill. i can't see where someone couldn't wean them selves over a couple of months. I have only seen the "keep doing the bad thing or you'll die" in relation to excessive alcohol..and my friend's father died when he quit cold turkey one night. I thought if it goes in your blood, it can likely get to the placenta if it is going to cross, so I can't see how any form of nicotine would bypass the fetus.

over all, unless they are truly going to kill/mutate their baby, I don't get my panties in a knot.

Unknown · December 2013

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Carmel5 · December 2013

I have done tons of reading about FAS and have worked with children with (fetal alcohol syndrome). From what I gathered by reading all the studies is that yes, some women can drink all through their pregnancy and the child will be fine. Some can drink a few times and their baby will get FAS. The alcohol affects different people and their babies in sort of random ways. Most articles say that *no* amount of alcohol is safe. Your child is dependent on you and receives any alcohol you drink while pregnant, why take a chance? Is it really too much to give up for nine months out of your life? I was a bartender for years and refused to serve pregnant women. I think many of you might change your minds if you had experience with FAS. Everyone wants a healthy baby and FAS is 100% preventable!

mamakiss · December 2013

Both of my parents were alcoholics and my mom died from alcohol poisoning when I was 16. Them choosing that lifestyle drastically changed the way I grew up (wasn't raised by either of them) and the relationship I have/had with them. No matter what research ever says, I can't personally bring myself to drink at all during pregnancy, I'd feel like I "needed it" and that scares me. (Though I always take extreme measures to make sure alcohol isn't a dependency for me... I never drink much and never for emotional support.) I know this definitely doesn't apply to everyone, and I have seen many an article about a glass of wine or a beer here and there is fine but it's definitely something I always think about. I don't care if anyone else drinks here and there, either.

I've never smoked weed. But if research was conclusive and it was proved to be harmless to the baby by all means... I'd have definitely and seriously considered it for the 4 weeks of extreme nausea... Especially when insurance wouldn't cover zofran or Diclegis and wanted too much out of pocket. I burst into tears in the pharmacy when I found out I was leaving with nothing for the second time. Maybe more research will be done if/when #2 comes...

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