Benefits of Quitting

Benefits of quitting smoking during your pregnancy:

For your baby:

• Increases the amount of oxygen your baby will get.
• Increases the chances your baby's lungs will work well.
• Lowers the risk that your baby will be born too early.
• Increases your chances of having a normal-weight, healthy baby.
• Increases the chances your baby will come home from the hospital with you.

For you:

• Gives you more energy and helps you breathe easier.
• Saves you money that you can spend on other things.
• Makes your clothes, hair, and home smell better.
• Makes your food taste better.
• Lets you feel good about what you've done for yourself and your baby.

Facts about quitting during pregnancy:

• Many pregnant women are tempted to cut down the number of cigarettes they smoke instead of quitting. Cutting down to less than 5 cigarettes a day can reduce risk, but quitting is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.
• It's never too late to quit smoking during your pregnancy.
• After just one day of not smoking, your baby will get more oxygen. Each day that you don’t smoke, you are helping your baby grow.
• During the first few weeks after quitting, cravings and withdrawal symptoms may be strongest. You can reduce the length of each craving for a cigarette by distracting yourself (keep your hands, mouth, and mind busy).
• Withdrawal symptoms are often signs that your body is healing. They are normal, temporary, and will lessen in a couple of weeks.
• Weight gain during pregnancy is normal. If you are worried about gaining weight when you quit smoking, now is an ideal time to quit. The weight you gain is far less harmful than the risk you take by smoking.

Make a plan to quit