gaving trouble quiting smoking!!!

msbrowntown11 · July 2015

Anyone having issues quiting smoking cigarettes? or have any advice or good wisdom? I am 15 wks and ive quit for a week or two then i crave one and buy a pack & hide them. I feel horrible & guilty and I know its really bad for the babys health. I dont know why I cant quit, its really upsetting.

BostonBaby1 · July 2015

Quitting is hard but I would implore you to be honest with your OB to tackle the issue in as safe a way for LO as possible. If you were not KU, I would detail how I quit and leave it at that (nicorette 2mg and sheer willpower,) but I'm not sure Nicorette is safe.
No matter what route you take, it won't be easy but it is SO incredibly important and satisfying. If you can go a couple of weeks, you can do it. The first week is the hardest and from there it is sheer willpower. Don't give up!

*ETA I quit 8 years ago. Do you live in the States? I always had a harder time quitter while living in Europe but it was one of the best things I ever did.

meansallison · July 2015

After my first ultrasound I tapped the picture on our front door, that way if I wanted to go outside to smoke I had a visual reminder of what was going on and I had to look at my little boba and decide if it was worth it. I quit that same day. I understand how hard it is, but like Boston baby said after the first week it gets much easier. I hope this helps, best of luck.

sjowlien86 · July 2015

What helped me (but I was not pregnant at the time) is asking myself when I really wanted one: can I wait another half hour? Usually the answer was yes. And then when the half hour was over, I would've already forgotten sometimes, or otherwise I would ask myself the same question again.. It resulted in me only smoking 3 more cigarettes after I decided to quit.

This helped me because I am the type of person that if you say 'no' too strongly, I only want it even more

holly1811 · July 2015

I understand the struggle i smoked 20 a day thankfully i was able to quit. I used nicotine replacement patches. I started out on the highest, then i went down in stages. This was all done under my doctors advice. Im now completly nicotine free for the last 6 weeks i think all in all it took 10 weeks. Well worth it. Good luck you can do it!

abidabi · July 2015

I'm in the same boat! Struggling so bad and I'm only down to about 3 a week, think there are much worse things out there for pregnant women than the occasional cigerette, but that doesn't justify it, we can do it just might take time, try to cut down 1 cig at a time and it will soon fizzle out

dec15mum · July 2015

Ugh quitting smoking is soo hard! I quit 2 years ago (still had the occasional one when i drank) the way i done it was i would look at the times I usually smoked (one in morning, one after a meal, one after sex etc) and each week or day I would take one out so I would have one when I woke up but none after breakfast, that make sense?
I couldn't stop cold turkey I found cutting it out helped.
I hope you manage it and I wish you the best of luck

hplunkett2883 · July 2015

Will power is the most important part of quitting. I quit 5 years ago. Cold turkey. The only time I really wanted one was if I was around someone who was smoking. Those cravings lasted about 3 months. Try to limit your exposure to others who smoke. Idk what's safe to use while pregnant. I think asking your OB is a good idea. Just stick to your guns. When you want one do something to take your mind off the cravings. Good luck.

BostonBaby1 · July 2015

^^ agree with pp to try to stay away from smokers. You'll be surprised at how disgusting it is when you haven't smelled it for a couple of months. I'm still shocked that I used to smoke when I'm even near someone who is a smoker (doesn't have to be smoking for me to get sick from the smell.)

*ETA that my post sounds incredibly judgement but I don't mean it to be AT ALL. I smoked for many years and I actually get sick now.

ckenyon82 · July 2015

If you're going a couple weeks and not having one then you're getting there! I smoked for years, quit for 4 years, then picked it back up again, then quit again. I have stayed quit this time for about 2 years. I found that after the first couple weeks, I still had cravings but if I just occupied myself for 15 min or so, the craving would pass and I'd forget about it.

I like the idea of putting the ultrasound picture on your door, or maybe even in uour car so you see it before you go buy a pack. you see it and have a reminder of what you're risking. I know it's hard, I've been there. But you can do it!

LandOfNope · July 2015

I quit 6 years ago using an e-cig, I would ask your OB if one of those is safe.

redfallon · July 2015

I've never smoked, but I've seen lots of smokers chew sunflower seeds since some of it is something to do with your mouth. Or try lollipops. Something to keep your mouth busy.

fmraglio · July 2015

meansallison said:
After my first ultrasound I tapped the picture on our front door, that way if I wanted to go outside to smoke I had a visual reminder of what was going on and I had to look at my little boba and decide if it was worth it. I quit that same day. I understand how hard it is, but like Boston baby said after the first week it gets much easier. I hope this helps, best of luck.

I did the same thing!

Before my first ultrasound I really struggled...I didn't smoke any but it was extremely painful for me, especially watching my husband smoke. I even had trouble concentrating at work.

After my first appointment I posted a US pic of my yolk sac on the dashboard of my car (it has since faded from the heat) and one on my patio door. Each time I wanted a cigarette I'd look at the picture and think about my baby struggling to breathe after birth and I couldn't bring myself to smoke one no matter how much I wanted it. I'd want one again 10-30 mins later and repeat the whole process but haven't smoked a cigarette since the day I found out. It's still hard for me in the car especially but it's that willpower and for the sake of my child I'll try not to smoke after she comes as well.

Don't judge yourself for not being able to quit, just take it an hour at a time and try not to have one. Be strong that hour and the next and the next etc...

CMDD · July 2015

Mindfulness meditation may help. When you go to buy a pack be very conscious of what you're doing and why.

nik6499 · July 2015

I wouldn't use an e-cig either. Talk to your OB about nicotine replacement therapy if possible and cut back. It takes time and we understand that, it's hard. 1-800-quit-now is a free program that offers resources to help people quit smoking and that is also something you can try.

missphil · July 2015

Great advice from other posters here. Try and pinpoint certain things that you associate with smoking. Sometimes it's certain people, certain foods or drinks. Avoid social situations where you know you will crave a cigarette. You kind of have to change the way you normally do things. For example, if you crave a cig after dinner, then try to introduce a new activity around that time. Maybe a yoga class, a nice aromatherapy bath, a brisk walk, etc.
Good luck lady!

abidabi · July 2015

It's the nicotine that's harmful e-cigs and patches etc can be worse for the baby as the nicotine is so much more concentrated, we will all get there eventually

crisobrewha · July 2015

I smoked for over 15 years, about a pack a day. I made a promise to my husband that I would quit as soon as I found out I was pregnant. When I got the positive pregnancy test, I had one last cigarette and then put the patch on. I wore it for about a month: Step 2 for two weeks, half a Step 1 patch for about a week, and then the Step 3 patch for another week. I forgot to put it on one day around the month mark and realized I didn't need it anymore. I felt that gradually cutting down would work best for me because I was so addicted and I work in a very stressful environment. Anytime I wanted a cigarette, I would think about the people I would see smoking while pushing a stroller or women who were hugely pregnant sucking in smoke and remind myself that I did not want to be that person.

Ultimately, I recommend working with your doctor to determine what the right approach is for you. I think the medical advice different the farther along you are, but I'm not sure. Good luck! You can do it!

Marchmellow2 · July 2015

E-cigs helped me quit. I went from 18mg of nicotine to 0mg of nicotine in two weeks and now I have completely stopped. But if I get a craving I just take a drag of my e-cig that has zero nicotine now.

Rusty NailHer · July 2015

I quit last pregnancy real easy. Got pregnant again 3mo later, and after a year had already picked up the habit. I transitioned to a vaporizer that I filled myself with low dose nicotine. And then I stopped smoking completely a month ago. It can be so hard. I smoked for 20 years and I am only 33! I smoked through my first two pregnancies. I was young and luckily had healthy huge babies! You can do it! You can do it!!

holly1811 · July 2015

abidabi said:
It's the nicotine that's harmful e-cigs and patches etc can be worse for the baby as the nicotine is so much more concentrated, we will all get there eventually

I dont follow? Nicotine replacement is a safe way to quit. Its not concentrated its just pure nicotine not mixed with any of the chemicals that are found in cigarettes. If you can quit without anything then obviously that is the best route to take. But using nicotine replacement is a lot less harmfull, and is in no way worse for the baby

momotheflyinglemur · July 2015

I smoked pot pre-pregnancy to help with my IBS. I had terrible morning sickness and smoking has always been something to settle my stomach so it was really hard to get myself to stop. 16 weeks now and I haven't hit a J with SO since 6 weeks, which was only 2 weeks after finding out.

I know that this is not the same as smoking cigarettes as I never felt any addictiveness to pot. I started drinking herbal teas with relaxing eucalypts and peppermint. If you are a tea drinker that may help you too.

acoe85 · July 2015

First if all. Giant gold star to you for trying to quit! I smoke for 14 years and it was so hard to quit.

What helped me the most was very strong gum, like Starbucks after coffee gum. The flavor was so strong when I breathed in, for whatever reason, it gave my lungs a feeling of inhaling something. Orange juice is also helpful (and good for baby). When nicotine breaks off from the plaque in your veins, it can cause a cravings, the vitamins and acid in OJ helps diminish that.

GOOD LUCK!!

kdoak2015 · July 2015

I quit 6 month pre pregnancy with champix and it worked like a dream, unfortunately you can't take it while pregnant. Just try and fight the cravings I know it's hard. I used sugar free candy to suck on. It's really not worth it the damage it can do to your baby and stress it can put on labor. You can do it.

josiesanderson · July 2015

I expierience a loss from smoking . I didn't know I was pregnant at the time but I was. Happened right after I had a cigarette.. Please be strong. What helps me with temptation is there's a photo of a study done where the mom smoked during an ultrasound and the baby curls up in a ball and covers it's face.. Please don't smoke

some are fine but there's always that aren't in every statistic . Don't risk it , took me 6 months to detox and get pregnant again .

josiesanderson · July 2015

Also... Scientists have shown a craving only lasts 5-10 minutes. You can get past this..

kdoak2015 · July 2015

josiesanderson said:
Also... Scientists have shown a craving only lasts 5-10 minutes. You can get past this..

Sorry I don't really believe this, it really isn't about the cravings, it's about breaking the habit. I know the habit smokes were the worst for me.

taysun · July 2015

If you're having trouble quitting cold turkey, cutting down can help immensely! Not to mention some doctors are of the belief that quitting cold turkey can cause more stress on baby. Talk to your OB and consider only having one or two a day for a few weeks. That's how I quit.

hummingbird35 · July 2015

What worked for me was hard candy. I'm not sure I should be recommending this, but that's what I did before I was pregnant and trying to cut back/ quit. When you crave a cigarette, pop a jolly rancher. They take a few minutes to dissolve in your mouth, and by the time you're done the craving should be gone! Luckily for me as soon as I became pregnant cigarettes smelled awful and make me ill. I can smell them in the cars in front of me on the highway!!! #-o

nik6499 · July 2015

josiesanderson said:
I expierience a loss from smoking . I didn't know I was pregnant at the time but I was. Happened right after I had a cigarette.. Please be strong. What helps me with temptation is there's a photo of a study done where the mom smoked during an ultrasound and the baby curls up in a ball and covers it's face.. Please don't smoke some are fine but there's always that aren't in every statistic . Don't risk it , took me 6 months to detox and get pregnant again .

I am sorry for your loss. But feel inclined to point out that there is no way of knowing what the exact cause was unless you had a fetal tissue analysis done. Yes smoking can harm the baby, but to imply they could lose their babies because they are struggling to quit is pushing the scare tactic envelope a little. Even as providers we encourage mothers to cut back, we help find them resources but we do NOT tell them they are going to lose their babies.

jjmace · July 2015

Every addiction is different. Your own addiction can even change on you. I focused on my triggers and strongest cravings because those were my weakest moments. Take a short walk, deep breathing, do several stretches. I had a really hard time while driving (chain smoked on way home from work for years)... I remember pulling over and pacing a parking lot while the craving subsided. If I was stuck in a social situation I would have a piece of the nicorette gum. In general oral replacements were not my focus b/c my addiction wasn't about the oral... It was about the inhalation and release. Oxygen was a good replacement.

One thing that made quitting really hard was that I had a partner who smoked and didn't want to quit. This made it so difficult. Eventually we broke up and remaining smoke free was much easier.

Cigarettes have gone up so much in price over the years. The money you're going to save will keep your new lo in diapers and more.

Good luck to you! I hope you find a joy in giving up this habit. I consider it to be the best thing I've ever done for myself.

CMDD · July 2015

We dont have tv, but I was just watching something on my computer an a commercial came on. It's this woman who smoked during pregnancy and her baby is in the nicu suffering...oh my goodness that is SCARY! OP I truly hope you get the help you need right away both for you and for your helpless child.

groovylocks · July 2015

abidabi said:

It's the nicotine that's harmful e-cigs and patches etc can be worse for the baby as the nicotine is so much more concentrated, we will all get there eventually

This is not true I don't think. OBGYNs recommend nicotine replacement therapy for pregnant women who can't stop smoking.

Nicotine is a stimulant, albeit a powerful one. Similar to caffeine (in the same drug family). I'd say the larger worry is formaldehyde, cyanide and lowering of blood-oxygen after a cigarette MUCH more than the administering of a stimulant.

So op, talk to your OBG about what you can do. There are options for you and they aren't there to judge but to help you. You're really brave for being so honest and if there is anything we can do to help you stop, say so

groovylocks · July 2015

And op, my mother craved cigarette smoke (she was a non smoker before her pregnancy) during her third trimester with me. She smoked one a week (i suspect sometimes more) for a couple of months. I was just fine. No complications whatsoever. She DID deliver early but that was due to trauma and likely not smoking. I was also massive for a preemie. (8 lbs) and perfectly healthy.

So if you absolutely can't quit, just try to cut way, way back. (For now: keep your eyes on the quitting prize) If you can get down to one a day, or one every two days, you're doing a hell of a lot less damage, right?

hummingbird35 · July 2015

@groovylocks nicotine has been documented as having harmful effects on the fetus (this is just one example of how) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656811/

Many of our parents probably smoked... I think doctors used to encourage it to keep weight down. But I don't think WE (with the knowledge that has been accumulated since then) should encourage it in any form... so I'm not sure how I feel about the 'baby steps' suggestion but I do agree it's better than not cutting back at all. There are a lot of resources to help OP! You can do this!

hummingbird35 · July 2015

@vashleyhernandez sorry!! Haha. Yeah, it's kind of a thicker one too but worth a look. Nicotine is not safe for babies-- in utero or out (breastfeeding)

hummingbird35 · July 2015

I just wanted to add... 18 weeks in I still have dreams several times a week that I'm smoking a cigarette (and sometimes drinking heavily) in the dreams I feel tangible guilt and always wake up upset and fearing for a split-second that it was real. I know quitting is really hard. (and I fear I might've come off as a little judgmental)

lovenlight77 · July 2015

It took me a while I smoked almost a pack a day, switched to e cig, then to e hooka with no nicotine. It was an oral fixation for me, the feel of it going into my lungs and exhaling. But it gradually faded and I got tired of spending the money. They became less desired. But I agree with the ladies, check with your ob first. I don't use them anymore. ... been 2 years without ehooka. Pardon my spelling as I can't spell lol.

susiaustin · July 2015

My OB has me on Wellbutrin for quitting smoking combined with a 1/3 of a step 1 patch. I will admit I'm definitely not where I wanted to be at 20 weeks pregnant, I haven't been wearing the patch because I badly messed up on my Wellbutrin and kept missing doses which completely made me go bonkers. I stopped and than restarted 3 days ago, today is day 1 with me taking it twice a day, and than Saturday when my parents are here I'm going to restart on the patch because I know my dad will break my legs if he catches me or even smells smoke on me while I'm carrying his little friend. My mom would have a drag every once in a while when she was pregnant with us, but was around second hand smoke so much while pregnant and breast feeding in surprised we didn't have issues. Than again my grandma (my dads mom) use to use her belly as a tray for the ash tray. My goal is to be down to an emergency drag every once in a while. When I am with SO I'm not allowed to have my own. He will share one with me and give me 3 or 4 drags out of one. This has helped me cut down a LOT. I've quit in the past, and I hate myself for doing it now, however my blood pressure getting up in the I'm going to get preeclampsia because I'm already high risk, is also dangerous for baby. Right now I'm trying to keep it under 5 a day every day. Which unless I'm freaking out over something I do 99% of the time. My next goal is going to be to give it up. I'm hoping by the end of the month. I'm being realistic and know I'm going to fail at times, but I'm not letting myself beat myself up too much over it. I'm not happy about being that woman, but I'm also not going to go cold turkey, no on would be able to deal with me if I did.

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