1. How Smoking Affects Your Looks & Life Slideshow
2. Tips to Quit Smoking Slideshow
3. Take the Quiz on Smoking

In this Article

• Smoking during pregnancy introduction
• How does secondhand smoke affect pregnancy?
• How Can I Quit Smoking Before or During Pregnancy?
• Can I use a nicotine replacement during pregnancy?
• How will I feel when I quit smoking during pregnancy?
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Smoking During Pregnancy Index

The benefits of not smoking start within days of quitting. After you quit, you and your baby's heartbeat will return to normal, and your baby will be less likely to develop breathing problems.

You may have symptoms of withdrawal because your body is used to nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes. You may crave cigarettes, be irritable, feel very hungry, cough often, get headaches, or have difficulty concentrating. The withdrawal symptoms are only temporary. They are strongest when you first quit but will go away within 10-14 days. When withdrawal symptoms occur, stay in control. Think about your reasons for quitting. Remind yourself that these are signs that your body is healing and getting used to being without cigarettes. Remember that withdrawal symptoms are easier to treat than the major diseases that smoking can cause.

Even after the withdrawal is over, expect periodic urges to smoke. However, these cravings are generally short-lived and will go away whether you smoke or not. Don't smoke!

If you relapse and smoke again do not lose hope. Of the people who quit, 75% relapse. Most smokers quit three times before they are successful. If you relapse, don't give up! Plan ahead and think about what you will do next time you get the urge to smoke.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:
Mayo Clinic: "Smoking and Pregnancy: Understand the Risks."
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: "Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Pregnancy."
March of Dimes: "Smoking during pregnancy."
Reviewed by Trina Pagano, MD, FACOG on May 16, 2012

© 2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Source article on WebMD