Pregnancy and smoking
September 17, 2012 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring
I (28 years old) am in the 7th week of pregnancy. I have always sworn to quit smoking immediately when I am pregnant. Unfortunately, I have not been able to completely stay away from cigarettes, nicotine patches do not help... I have reduced from a pack a day to a maximum of 4 cigarettes a day. But I know that I am harming my child by doing so. It is terrible when the addiction is so strong... I want everything to go well. Last week's update was: Everything is in perfect order! All yolk sac is visible on time etc... I do not want to continue endangering my child: What other options do I have to quit smoking immediately??? Am I actually causing a miscarriage by smoking 4 cigarettes, or is it okay to gradually reduce until I reach 0?
Good evening,
First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy!
The good news is that going from four cigarettes to zero is such a small step that you don't have to fear any major withdrawal symptoms. But you should definitely refrain from smoking, because while smoking these cigarettes, the oxygen supply to the entire body (and your baby's) deteriorates; because then many red blood cells, which are supposed to transport oxygen, are occupied with carbon monoxide. If this oxygen deficiency occurs during a vulnerable phase of organ development, it can lead to a miscarriage or birth defect!
A very helpful treatment is acupuncture, but you should only have it done by a trained doctor (addresses can be found at www.daegfa.de). Equally important is the absolute realization that every cigarette is too much, and that you don't want to expose your baby to any more smoke!
There is also a small psychological problem: imagine if your child had a disability; you will never know if you are to blame for it. Not a good feeling! You can do it, for sure, if you are determined. I wish you all the best!
Best regards, Dr. Frauke Höllering, Doctor of Internal and General Medicine, Acupuncture, Sexual Medicine
