Services such as the National Health Service (NHS) highly stress the importance of women not smoking while pregnant. And the same message applies to vaping during pregnancy.
Although the NHS suggests vapes are ‘much less risky than smoking’, there is still a danger when pregnant if you consider using vape products.
In this guide, we will explain what vaping involves, why the NHS is recommending it as the lesser of two products compared to smoking and other methods to stop smoking when pregnant. Read on to know your best course of action and give your baby the opportunity for good health when entering the world, based on external medical advice.
What is Vaping?
First of all, let’s start with the basics by explaining how electronic cigarettes, known as vapes, work. Vaping involves inhaling vapour produced by an electronic cigarette. The idea behind this device is to replace a cigarette – which contains over 4,000 chemicals - with a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) that does not contain combustible tobacco.
Vape devices heat e-liquid, often containing nicotine. Still, they can also not contain nicotine, for those at the final stage of the journey. Additional ingredients include flavourings, and other ingredients such as Propylene Glycol, to create the vapour.
This liquid is turned into vapour upon heating, which is activated by a vape coil which creates an electrical resistance. While vaping eliminates some of the harmful substances found in traditional cigarettes, it is not without risks.
Can You Vape While Pregnant – NHS Explanation
The National Health Service (NHS) advises against the use of nicotine products during pregnancy, including vaping, with further research and data needed to know for sure. But also states that importantly they are ‘much less risky’ than cigarettes.
This is because vapes do not produce carbon monoxide unlike cigarettes, which is very dangerous for babies, or tobacco. The most harmful ingredient in an e-liquid is nicotine, which although addictive, is relatively harmless according to the NHS.
Although vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, it still poses significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.
What are the Known Risks of Vaping During Pregnancy
Nicotine Exposure
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can harm fetal development. Exposure to nicotine during pregnancy can lead to a collection of worrying outcomes, including low birth weight, premature birth, and issues regarding development.
As this prominent study concludes, 'nicotine interacts with endogenous acetylcholine receptors in the brain and lung, evoking neuro-developmental abnormalities by disrupting the timing of neurotrophic actions'.
Chemical Exposure
A part from nicotine, e-cigarettes contain various chemicals that could pose risks during pregnancy. The long-term effects of exposure to these substances during pregnancy are not yet fully understood, but caution is advised.
Some studies suggest that other chemicals including metals, volatile organic compounds and silicates could be found in e-cigarettes, but the evidence is not conclusive. However, it should be noted that the chemicals are at much lower levels and far fewer than the thousands of dangerous and sometimes unknown chemicals found in cigarettes for pregnant women.
Respiratory Issues
Whether you are pregnant or not, the science and common knowledge are clear that it is not safe to inhale any substance into your lungs. Vaping for this reason is associated with respiratory issues, which can be particularly concerning during pregnancy.
The inhalation of vaporised substances can lead to inflammation and damage to the respiratory system. Pregnant women may experience increased respiratory problems, creating complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Is It Safe to Vape While Pregnant?
Given the potential risks, it is not considered safe to vape while pregnant. Health professionals strongly advise against the use of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products during pregnancy. It should only be a consideration if you smoke and can not quit, and have exhausted all other safer nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum or sprays.
The unknown long-term effects and potential harm to the developing fetus, as well as links to miscarriage, stillbirth, and damage to the baby's heart and lungs,make it imperative to avoid vaping altogether.
However, it is important to also understand the risks are far greater if you smoke while pregnant. So it depends on your current habits and your willpower to quit cigarettes. If you carry on smoking while the baby is growing in the womb, the chances of unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) increase, among many other potential risks to the baby's short-term and long-term health.
How to Stop Smoking When Pregnant
- Seek Professional Help - Giving up cigarettes during pregnancy can be challenging, but professional support can make a big difference. Health professionals, such as smoking cessation counsellors backed by the NHS can provide guidance and support tailored to you, in your goal to quit smoking. They can offer strategies, various resources, and verbal encouragement to aid in your journey towards a smoke-free pregnancy.
- Embrace Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can be a key tool for pregnant women looking to quit smoking. NRT products, such as nicotine patches or gum, can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable NRT option for your specific needs.
- Nurture a Supportive Environment - Having a supportive group containing family and friends (even better with similar goals) is crucial when quitting smoking during pregnancy. Let those know close to you, including friends, family, and your partner about your decision to quit and seek their support. Surrounding yourself with individuals who encourage and motivate you can increase your chances of success.
Natural Alternatives to Vaping and Smoking During Pregnancy
Focus on Healthy Habits
During pregnancy, it is essential to prioritise healthy habits. Daily exercise such as a simple 30-minute walk in the fresh air and nourishing eating routines including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and all-important nutrients will make you feel better on the inside and outside. It will help to take your mind off the addictive nature of smoking and keep you focused on a better you.
Attempt to practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or prenatal yoga to encourage good mental and physical health. These lifestyle changes can help reduce cravings and improve overall well-being.
Explore Behavioral Therapy
Behavioural therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), can be beneficial for individuals trying to quit smoking. These therapies focus on identifying and changing behaviours associated with smoking, providing valuable tools to manage cravings and avoid relapse.
Studies show they can have a positive impact during pregnancy and are three times more likely than those who do not take CBT to help with smoking cessation during critical points of your pregnancy.
Consider Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques including mindfulness or meditation can help manage stress and cravings during pregnancy. Deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation are effective strategies for promoting relaxation and reducing the urge to smoke.
The Importance of Seeking Support
The determination and perseverance needed to quit smoking do not have to be done alone. And despite the risks linked with vaping during pregnancy, the NHS suggests that stopping smoking can be safer than smoking as a last resort. It is important to remember that help is there and can make all the difference
So, reach out to healthcare professionals, support groups, and loved ones for guidance and encouragement. That extended hand from others can help you on the path to a healthier version of yourself that will help your baby grow with much less risk and danger.
In conclusion, we must stress the clear risks of both cigarettes and vaping. While vaping may appear to be a safer alternative to smoking, it still poses a risk during pregnancy, although we need to see more medical evidence to know for sure.
We can see from medical studies so far that there are still risky chemicals found inside e-cigarettes that can harm fetal development. But if you have tried other NRT’s before pregnancy with little luck quitting smoking, vaping is suggested as an alternative by many health professional bodies in the UK.
By seeking professional help, embracing a combination of NRTs, and adopting healthy habits, you can successfully quit smoking and ensure a healthier pregnancy for both you and your baby.