If you're pregnant and vaping, you may believe you've made the better choice compared to traditional smoking. But here's the truth: when you're pregnant, there's no safe level of nicotine and vaping is far from harmless.
Even though vape pens don't have all the same toxic chemicals as cigarettes, they still contain nicotine, heavy metals, and other toxins that can harm you and your baby, according to the Center of Disease Control (CDC). Recent studies have made it clear that vaping is risky for pregnancy. Here's why—and some practical steps to help you stay safe.
Why Vaping Is Risky for You and Your Baby
According to UCLA study, women who use electronic cigarettes during pregnancy are 33% more likely than those who don't to give birth to low-birthweight infants. Another report from the CDC found that e-cigarette vapor contains heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead, which can interfere with fetal development and may lead to health issues.
Nicotine itself is a problem, too. According to the U.S Surgeon General, nicotine restricts oxygen and blood flow to a growing baby's brain and organs, and exposure during pregnancy can lead to cognitive and developmental delays.
7 Tips to Help You Stay Safe While Pregnant
If you're looking to cut down or quit, here are some tried-and-true tips to help you protect yourself and your child on the way.
1. Avoid Nicotine Altogether. Avoid smoking and vaping altogether. Smoking reduces oxygen to your baby, which can impact their growth. There's no "safe" smoking or vaping, so the goal is to quit both vaping and traditional cigarettes entirely.
2. Lean on Your Support System. Quitting can be difficult, especially if it's been a habit. Now is the time to lean on your support system—friends, family, or even a quit group—to help you manage the stress and stay accountable. Tennessee women who are pregnant and seeking to quit can turn to the Tennessee Department of Health's Tobacco Cessation Program, specifically the G.I.F.T.S. (Growing Inside Free of Tobacco and Smoking) program. The program was created to improve the health and wellness of women and families by providing them with resources to quit smoking. Those enrolled can even receive incentives for their progress in the program. Pregnant individuals can start the program by contacting their local health department. For more information on how the G.I.F.T.S. program works, click here.
3. Ask Your Doctor About Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Cold turkey isn't for everyone; some people need a more gradual approach. Talk to your doctor about NRT options like patches or gum but remember—these methods should only be used under a professional's guidance.
4. Get Informed on Hidden Toxins. Beyond nicotine, vaping liquids have toxins like formaldehyde and heavy metals. Educate yourself on the dangers so you can stay motivated to avoid vaping.
5. Find Healthier Ways to Cope with Stress. Pregnancy can be stressful, so having healthy go-to coping skills matters. Try deep breathing, gentle exercise, or even a good book or podcast. Sometimes, it's the little things that get you through.
6. Be Aware of Secondhand Vape Smoke. Even if you've given up vaping, secondhand vaping can still harm you and your baby. Kindly ask friends and family not to vape around you—a small ask during your pregnancy can make a big difference.
7. Stay Consistent with Prenatal Check-Ups. Routine visits with your provider help keep you and your baby on track. Your doctor can give you insights, encouragement, and personalized tips to help you stay healthy. For more information on Tennessee services for pregnant women, click here.
Taking steps to protect your baby's health doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Support resources are available and every small choice you make matters when it comes to giving you and your baby the healthiest start possible.
Family Health and Wellness is a division of the Tennessee Department of Health. For more information on maternal health and resources designed to support mothers, women, and families, visit us here.