January 2016 Moms
shadylady80
member
Smoking during pregnancy, help!!!
shadylady80
member
I am not looking for any arguments, or criticism- I need help to quit smoking. I was hopeing for tips and tricks you've used to quit, and even personal stories of negative effects smoking has had on babies. I realize it is selfish, but the more I feel guilty the more I want to smoke... I think I need a good scare. Also has anyone ever tried hypnotism? Did it work for you?
Re: Smoking during pregnancy, help!!!
Low progesterone
Baby boy born 01/2016
Currently: NTNP
Birth defects.
Low birth weight.
Placental abruption.
Placenta previa.
Premature birth.
Also - if you're carrying a daughter - you're compromising the quality of her developing eggs, which can lead to fertility issues down the road.
Just quit. You can do it. So many people have done it before you (myself included). You're being selfish AF and you need to stop.
Low progesterone
Baby boy born 01/2016
Currently: NTNP
Definitely contact your doctor's office again to push for treatment options. Your regular PCP would be fine also as long as they are aware that you're pregnant. I would definitely recommend assistance beyond nicotine replacement though.
DD 12/20/99, DS 12/14/12, M/C 9/2014, M/C 1/2015
You can do it!!!!!!!
Maybe even start a daily check in here on the board. I am sure there are many ladies willing to offer support for you and any other ladies out there battling the same thing!
Perhaps you should talk to a Mom who has buried a baby after being born still. (Not from smoking - but from other, out of their control, causes.) They can look you in the eye and tell you that they would do anything to have their babies alive and healthy. They can tell you how horribly selfish you're being taking this risk, even once. Every time you put a cigarette to your mouth and raise your lighter, you're gambling your child's life. Your baby not die from your selfish habit, but it will certainly affect it's life in some way. You will not know the extent of these effects until the damage is done.
Is your cigarette and momentary relief worth a lifetime of guilt?
My step sister smoked her entire pregnancy, and her daughter was born with respiratory issues, low birth weight and birth complications, amongst other things. I lost pretty much all respect for her and our relationship has struggled immensely because of it.
My biological sister buried her son last fall after he was born still. She would probably be willing to share her story with you if you need some real life insight as to what it's like to loose a child. She won't however, be able to offer you any type of empathy, if that's what you're seeking. She will be straight forward and concise, and tell you what you already know.
Most importantly, you are capable of quitting for your baby.
My FIL's step-daughter smoked throughout pregnancy and around her child after her birth. She was born very small, despite being full-term, and had issues with her involuntary reflexes and breathing. She got a tummy bug and choked to death on her vomit on Christmas Day at 15 months old because her reflexes weren't as good as they should have been. There are so many things that you don't realize are affected by cigarette smoke. A little stomach upset that would have passed for any other kid in a few days took her baby because of the developmental effects of cigarette smoke.
Please stop now. It was very difficult for me, too, but it definitely needs to be done. Candy cigarettes. They're the closest thing to the same diameter and weight of a normal cigarette, and you can chew in them to help with any oral fixation. And yes, find someone to talk to/hold you accountable. Even if it's your SO giving you a good smack on the hand (DH had to guilt me every time- I'm a huge sucker for guilt so that was all I needed). Unfortunately, you'll need to identify your own triggers and such in order to really handle it, but I totally believe in you. You CAN do it!
And lots of people make the mistake of slipping up once and giving up completely. Even if you smoke one cigarette, while you're feeling good with the nicotine in the system, throw out the rest of the pack! Maybe just the act of throwing it out will help you handle it mentally. And spending $6 or $7 every time you want ONE cigarette will help it to feel like it isn't worth it. Also, set reward markers. If you make it a day, you get your favorite dessert. If you make it a week, a manicure. Two weeks? SO takes you out to your favorite restaurant. A whole month? Girl you go to the movies, get a GIANT thing of popcorn, your favorite candy, and a massage afterward.
These are just the things that I've tried and I've heard success with. Yes, it all comes down to you, and yes, you need to quit, but don't beat yourself up. Hating on yourself will only increase your stress levels which isn't good for baby, either, and will probably trigger you wanting to smoke, as well! You've got this, girl, you are stronger than a cigarette!
https://women.smokefree.gov/9-myths-about-smoking-pregnancy.aspx
https://betobaccofree.hhs.gov/health-effects/pregnancy/
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/tobaccousepregnancy/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/smoking-and-pregnancy/art-20047021
I quit smoking when I found out I was pregnant. To me.. The chance of hurting this precious life I am growing isn't worth it. I mean come on it can cause SIDS. That's not worth it.
As PPs have said, talk to your doctor.
SO's cousin (our former neighbor) smoked through both of her pregnancies. Her dd (now 4) was born at 38wks weighing 3.5lbs, she has the verbal skills of a 2yr old, and is all around behind. I remember the picture her bf got of her placenta. It was BLACK and looked like it had scabs or something. Her ds (7 months) was just over 3lbs at 39wks, was in the NICU for 4wks due to breathing issues, has been consistently behind in development, and has hospitalized with pneumonia 3 times.
I hope you are able to get the help and strength you need to quit.
DS1 01/08/03 DD1 08/11/04 DD2 10/06/08 DS2 09/30/14
SURPRISE! Hannah May born 01/22/16
Earlier when I had tried to quit it helped to develop some other habits that will keep your mind off like chewing gum or in my case - playing candy crush saga all day like a crazy bitch !!!