Home /
Learn /
If You Are Trying To Get Pregnant You Must Quit Smoking. Here’s How To Quit Smoking

If You Are Trying To Get Pregnant You Must Quit Smoking. Here’s How To Quit Smoking

13 Mar 2023 | 6 min Read

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 369 Articles

Congratulations on your decision to start trying for a baby! It’s an exciting time in your life, and you want to give your future child the best possible start in life.

If you are a smoker, one thing you can do to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy is to quit smoking. Smoking can harm both you and your baby, and it’s never too late to quit.

Why You Must Quit Smoking NOW If You Want To Conceive

Chemicals like nicotine and carbon monoxide found in cigarettes increase the risk of a variety of pregnancy complications and birth defects such as: preterm labour, miscarriage, stillbirth, low baby birthweight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

If you’re planning on getting pregnant then you must quit smoking as it leads to problems like:

Difficulty to conceive
Negatively affects hormone production
Causes fertility issues
Harms the reproductive system
Increases risk of ectopic pregnancy
Damages egg quality

Besides helping to increase your chances of getting pregnant, quitting smoking before planning pregnancy also reduces the risk of having a baby with a low birth rate. It’s not just women but also men who smoke who are at risk of infertility. Smoking damages their sperm count, sperm volume and sperm motility.

How long after quitting smoking should you plan a pregnancy?

If you are a smoker and are planning to get pregnant then it’s advisable to quit smoking at least three months before you plan. This helps to make sure the sperm and eggs are healthy when the baby is conceived.

How To Quit Smoking?

Here are some fun and easy tips to help you kick the habit and start your journey to motherhood smoke-free.

Find your motivation

First things first: why do you want to quit smoking? Is it for your own health? Your future baby’s health? Your partner’s health? Write down your reasons for quitting and keep them somewhere where you can see them daily. When you’re feeling tempted to light up, remind yourself why you’re doing this.

Set a quit date

Choose a date to quit smoking. This will give you time to mentally prepare and make any necessary lifestyle changes. Mark the date on your calendar and tell your loved ones so they can support you.

Prepare for cravings

Nicotine cravings can be intense, especially in the first few days after quitting. Be prepared by stocking up on healthy snacks, such as fruit and vegetables, to help curb your cravings. You can also try chewing gum, drinking water, or taking deep breaths to distract yourself from the urge to smoke.

Get moving

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood, two things that can make quitting smoking easier. Start with gentle activities, such as walking or yoga, and gradually increase the intensity as you feel more comfortable.

Find support

Quitting smoking is easier when you have a support system. Tell your friends and family that you’re quitting, and ask for their encouragement and support. You can also join a support group or speak to your healthcare provider for additional help and guidance.

Avoid triggers

Certain situations or activities can trigger the urge to smoke. For example, you may be more likely to smoke when you’re drinking alcohol or socialising with friends who smoke. Try to avoid these triggers or develop coping strategies to deal with them.

Reward yourself

Quitting smoking is a big accomplishment, so be sure to reward yourself along the way. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a massage or a night out with friends, when you reach milestones in your journey to becoming smoke-free.

Stay positive

Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it’s important to stay positive and focus on the benefits of being smoke-free. Remind yourself of how much money you’re saving, how much healthier you’re becoming, and how much better your future baby’s chances of a healthy start in life are.

Get your partner on board

If your partner smokes, quitting together can be a great way to support each other and increase your chances of success. You can also make healthy lifestyle changes together, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Celebrate your success

When you’ve successfully quit smoking, celebrate your success! Treat yourself to something special, such as a weekend getaway or a new outfit. You deserve it!

Pro Tips:

In addition to the tips above, here are some additional strategies that may be helpful:

Consider using nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum, to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Try alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or hypnosis, to help reduce cravings and promote relaxation.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. This can help flush out toxins from your body and reduce the urge to smoke.
Keep your hands busy by playing with a stress ball, knitting, or doing other activities that require hand movements.
Make a list of the benefits of quitting smoking and refer to it when you need a reminder of why you’re doing this.
Try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Stress can trigger the urge to smoke, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or deep breathing exercises, can be helpful.
Stay positive and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up. Quitting smoking is a process, and it’s normal to experience setbacks. Just pick yourself up and keep moving forward.

Remember, quitting smoking is a process, and it may take some time to successfully kick the habit. Be patient with yourself and stay focused on your goals. With the right mindset and support, you can successfully quit smoking and start your journey to motherhood.

Remember that quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your own health and the health of your future baby. You’re taking a big step towards a happier, healthier future for your family.

These products help to protect you during pregnancy: