Over the years, numerous studies have established that smoking is detrimental to health, especially for pregnant mothers. However, with the growing popularity of vape and electronic cigarettes, there are claims that they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes. This misinformation about vape usage has created more confusion than clarity. Both vape and electronic cigarettes are considered tobacco products and contain nicotine. But how harmful are they for pregnant individuals and developing babies?
Dr. Christopher Sundstrom, an obstetrician and gynecologist at North Florida Women’s Care, weighed in on the serious risks associated with the use of tobacco products during pregnancy. He stated that most women are aware that smoking is bad for their own health but may not know it can cause serious problems in their pregnancy. Smoking in pregnancy has been shown to increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and a potentially life-threatening condition called placental abruption. It also increases the risk of stillborn babies by 50%.
Misconceptions About Vaping While Pregnant .
Vaping is a newer trend, and there is less research available about it. This contributes to the misconception that vaping during pregnancy is safe. In recent years, medical professionals have seen an alarming increase in pregnant women who vape. Some women who smoked before pregnancy are misled into believing vaping is a safe substitute for cigarettes or a good way to quit smoking while pregnant. On the contrary, vaping is not currently FDA-approved as an aid to quit smoking and is not as benign as people may think.
What Makes Vapes Dangerous?
Dr. Sundstrom explains, “While there is plenty of evidence concerning the risks of smoking and pregnancy, the effects of vaping or electronic cigarettes during pregnancy are not as clear. This is a new area of research, and there are studies that suggest vaping can have harmful effects on a developing baby.” Most vape devices consist of a battery, a heating device, and a liquid cartridge containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additive chemicals. The vape heats the liquid into an aerosol that you inhale. This aerosol contains nicotine, which is toxic to developing fetuses and may also contain ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Even some vapes marketed to contain zero nicotine have been found to contain some.
How to Safely Quit Smoking While Pregnant .
During each day of pregnancy, expectant moms must weigh the risks and rewards for things they eat, drink, or otherwise consume. While it is possible that vaping is somewhat less harmful than traditional cigarette smoking, there is not enough research to determine how harmful it truly is, and the devices themselves are dangerous. Vaping is not worth the risk to the pregnant mother or her baby. Dr. Sundstrom encourages, “If you use tobacco products of any kind and are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, now is the time to quit! Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about how to quit smoking or vaping today. There are many resources to help you kick the habit for good.”
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and North Florida Women’s Care partner with Big Bend Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to connect patients with quitting resources. Big Bend AHEC offers free classes – in person at the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center, other locations, and online – led by trained specialists. They often provide free nicotine replacement like patches, lozenges, and gum. These can help smokers wean off nicotine and cope with withdrawal symptoms. For pregnant people trying to quit smoking, these options are available.
“Some women even find it easier to quit when they are pregnant. Rather than pregnancy being a condition keeping them from beloved old habits, for many women, it is a helpful incentive for developing a healthier lifestyle,” says Dr. Sundstrom. “If you can maintain it through delivery and breastfeeding, the changes you make during pregnancy can reward you with a healthy baby and a healthier and longer life for yourself.”
