Quit Smoking if You Are Pregnant

Did you know that while you are pregnant, you breathe for both you and your baby? So if you smoke, it hurts both of you. This is a good time to stop.

Here are some problems smoking can cause. Think about these dangers. It may help you quit.

• Smoking can put your pregnancy at risk. It reduces oxygen and blood flow to your baby. In extreme cases, your baby could even die.

• Your baby can be born too early. That means the baby's lungs and other organs may not be fully formed.

• Your baby could be born too small. You may think that this will make delivering the baby easier. That's not true. In fact, it is bad for you and the baby.

• Your baby could have breathing problems, such as asthma or allergies.

• If you breast-feed your baby once he or she is born, you can pass the chemicals to your baby.

• Your baby might be more likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than a baby whose mother doesn't smoke.

• Your child could have behavior problems. He or she may have learning problems too.

It is hard to quit smoking. But you can do it. Even if you are a few months pregnant, quitting now will help your baby. Talk with your doctor about how to quit. Or call the American Lung Association at 1-800-586-4872.

Need Help Quitting?

• Keystone Mercy has a Tobacco Cessation Program (how to quit smoking) to help. For more information, please call Member Services at 1-800-521-6860.
• For more information on programs to help you stop smoking, go to www.determinedtoquit.com
• You can also call the Pennsylvania Free Quit Line, 1-800- QUIT NOW (1-800-748-8669). This program is offered as a partnership between Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Lung Association.