Congratulations on your pregnancy and for deciding to stop smoking. Here are some handy quit tips to help you get from pregnancy to birth and breastfeeding.
Stopping smoking at any time during your pregnancy will give your baby a healthier start in life.
Expecting a baby usually increases the pressure to stop smoking. We get that, and we’re here to help. We want to let you know that there’s a lot of support for you.
Quitline counsellors are trained to help you during your pregnancy. Your doctor, pharmacist or maternity care provider can also offer stop smoking information and support.
Quitline can support you right through to the birth, and in the weeks after your baby is born. Call 13 7848 or request a Quitline callback.
Tips for quitting during pregnancy:
Gentle exercise such as swimming, walking and supervised yoga can help the body adjust to being without cigarettes.
If your partner or other people in your household smoke, encourage them to consider quitting or to only smoke outside (and away from you).
Don’t forget you can call the Quitline 13 7848 for support. Support from your Quitline counsellor plus using nicotine medication (if your doctor recommends it), is the most effective way to quit.
Using nicotine medications while pregnant or breastfeeding
If you’re having trouble stopping smoking with Quitline alone, using nicotine medications is an option. Using nicotine medication is safer than smoking, but it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your maternity care provider, doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, the better options are the faster-acting types such as the nicotine lozenge, gum or inhalator. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your maternity care provider. These types of nicotine medication usually provide a lower daily dose of nicotine than the nicotine patch.
The nicotine patch can also be used, if the faster-acting medication alone isn’t controlling cravings and feelings of withdrawal - your maternity care provider may tell you to remove it before going to bed.
Breastfeeding
If breastfeeding, you can use the faster-acting types such as the nicotine lozenge, gum or inhalator. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or pharmacist. If you do use faster-acting nicotine medications, try to breastfeed your baby first, then use your faster-acting nicotine medication soon after.
The nicotine patch can also be used, if the faster-acting medication alone isn’t controlling cravings and feelings of withdrawal - your doctor or pharmacist may tell you to remove it before going to bed.
Prescribed stop smoking tablets are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When the urge to smoke strikes remember the 4Ds
Delay for at least five minutes, the urge will pass
Deep breathe slowly and deeply
Do something else to keep your hands busy
Drink water to take ‘time out’, sip slowly.
For more information: talk to your doctor, pharmacist or Quitline.
Please note, this information is not intended to replace consumer medicines information or health professional advice. If you would like to provide feedback, please contact quit@cancervic.org.au.
Last updated October 2021.
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