Smoking and Tobacco Use

Cigarette smoking — and all other forms of tobacco use — may lead to serious health problems for you and your baby. Women who smoke during pregnancy usually give birth to low-birthweight babies who are more likely to have ongoing health problems, such as:

• Infections
• Trouble keeping warm
• Feeding problems
• Breathing problems
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Secondhand smoke is also linked to SIDS and can cause major health problems to your baby. Avoid smokers and smoking areas whenever possible.

What About E-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are a battery-powered tobacco-delivery system. Because they still contain nicotine, e-cigarettes are not safe to use during pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nicotine, an addictive substance, can harm your baby’s brain and lungs, and some e-cigarette flavorings may also cause damage to a developing baby.

Now’s the Time to Quit

Stop smoking when pregnant. For help, browse the American Cancer Society’s “Stay Away from Tobacco” guide. The CDC also provides helpful tools to live smoke-free when you’re pregnant and after your baby arrives.