Pregnancy Forum - How to Quit Smoking


How to Quit Smoking

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Jordan H

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy

Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 74
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

How to Quit Smoking Posted: 10-03-05 10:57am


Hi girls, just found out that I am preg. Can't be happier. Now my problem is that I am a smoker, I was trying to quit before I got pregnant, but it didn't happen, I have not touched one since I found out, but it is really hard. Were any of you girls in the same situation and how did you handle it. I could really use some help. I feel like I am failing already.

chrissy721

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Joined: 21 Jul 2005
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Posted: 10-03-05 11:38am


My dad had to quit a few months ago, because he's got a terrible disease in his legs and found out smoking would make it speed up faster.. He started keeping other things in his mouth...Gum, candy, toothpicks...Etc he also said that just knowing he was hurting himself so bad made him quit...He got rid of all his cigarettes right away and when he got his paycheck he put the money away that he would have used and it was literally hundreds.... He said it was reallly hard but way worth it....He's healthier, and richer... :) good luck....Just hold out and do your best...It will be good in the long run even though its hard right now...They say once you quit for 31 days you are done and won't do it again and my dad says it really does work that way he said when you really want one, just make yourself do something else...Like put a puzzle together, cross stich or something to do with your hands...And that will make it easier.

GinACod

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Joined: 13 Sep 2005
Posts: 262
Location: Ohio

Posted: 10-03-05 11:39am


Ok this I can kinda help out with though I have started back up and am trying again to quit. When I quit smokeing (everytime I have makes bout 5 now) normally I just go cold turkey since the nicotine is out of your system in 2 days really its all the hand to mouth. What you need to do is get you hands busy... Croquet, kint, get into and craft project thats cheap and inexpencive and that you can use to benifit towards your baby. My third pg I started croqueting, I made my older kids blankets and then my new baby her blanket, my cousin one for her baby too. The more I did the better I got. Just udo it if you don't like it and start over. Yes its fusterating but it will keep your hands busy and also save you $ on buying yarn and everything. I don't know how to knit. And along time ago my mom showed me how to croquet. I didn't get into it then but I did while I was pg. But well back to old habits bad me. It was after meal times and everything that was hard at that point and my fingers would get tired so get a bag of hard candies (unsweetened or sugerfree) suck on those when you have a urge to smoke. Also hold a pen or a pencil in your hand where you tend to hold a ciggerette. Kepts your fingers busy and your mouth. Also you can do bubble gum too. Also I cut down durmaticly. The last time I quit was 2 months before I found out I was pg with our 4th. I just quit didn't want to smoke anymore. Only problem is now I have started again.. Grr... I figure once I get more involved with my kids school activities and girl scouts and everything that that will give me more of a reason to quit and that also give me more will power to quit and not start up again. Only thing is that my hubby smokes and I couldn't stand it. I think thats the main reason I started again along with stress. I've been smoking again for about 3 weeks now about 1 pack every 2-3 days. On the plus side I don't smoke inside (thus getting colder and well I hate cold so), that should help me quit also I place my ciggerettes near the door so if I want one I have to get up. I've gotten alot more done in the house in that last 3 weeks also ( cleaning, organizing and getting my 2 year old potty training (almost there on that one). I make it a point not to smoke in the van also I placed alot of limitations on myself and my husband. That way i'm more tempted to quit since it would take so much to get rid of the stress though its always going to be there. Ohh and do yourself a favor.. All the money you use to spend on ciggerettes stick in a savings account for your baby that way you can get a jump start on a collage fund or for the babys stuff when it comes.

Jordan H

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Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 74
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

Posted: 10-03-05 11:50am


Thanks so much for the reply's, I do cross stitch, but that doesn't seem to help. Just have to stick it out I guess. Just don't want to do any harm to my baby. Ginacod, stick it out and quit... We can do it together.

chrissy721

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Joined: 21 Jul 2005
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Posted: 10-03-05 11:51am


Yea, it's best for the baby, you'll be happy when it's over, and I don't think it'll be too long before you are completely off of the cigs. :) just be strong.

Sarah1978

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Joined: 15 Sep 2005
Posts: 123
Location: NZ

Posted: 10-03-05 16:01pm


When I found out I was pg I started to cut down to about 6 ciggies a day (down from 10 - 20) then gave up. Its been two weeks since my last ciggie and its getting easier every day, the first week was the worse but once you are through that its so much easier you can actually go several hours without even thinking about smoking. Hang in there, you can do this.

Jordan H

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Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 74
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

How Long?? Posted: 10-03-05 16:06pm


How long did you cut down for until you quit?

Sarah1978

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Joined: 15 Sep 2005
Posts: 123
Location: NZ

Posted: 10-03-05 16:40pm


I started cutting down as soon as I found out (5wks) and gave up two weeks ago (10weeks) it made it much easier and didn't put as much stress and me or baby. I started off by going an extra hour in the morning before I had my first ciggie, then two hours, etc and everytime I felt like a ciggie I would wait 1/2 an hour before I had one, generally by then you had starting doing something else and forgotten about it. (it is better if you are working cos you just wait till smoko time to have our first ciggie) the other thing was not too inhale all the smoke, when you took a puff just some of it.

wife2jason_mom2ryley

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Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 288
Location: Amherst VA

Posted: 10-03-05 16:56pm


Just knowing that smoking is hurting your unborn baby should be enough!!! Concentrate on that!!! Good luck!!! Teresa

Sarah1978

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Joined: 15 Sep 2005
Posts: 123
Location: NZ

Posted: 10-03-05 17:00pm

wife2jason_mom2ryley wrote:

just knowing that smoking is hurting your unborn baby should be enough!!! Concentrate on that!!! Good luck!!!

Teresa

it not as simple as that. I also had the problem of everyone telling me it is terrible for your baby etc etc and no one would give me any advice on how to actually quit. It takes time and alot of willpower.

Assena

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Joined: 12 Nov 2004
Posts: 328
Location: Georgia

Posted: 10-03-05 17:01pm


Not pregnant but have quit smoking cold turkey (9 mos now) what I did was every time I wanted a cig I would take a walk. Fresh air and stress relief.. Drink lots of water as well.

Jordan H

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy

Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 74
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

Posted: 10-03-05 17:07pm


Thanks for all the support guys... Man this is hard, I have already broken down twice. Keep all the suggestions comming. It is even worse when you are stuck in an office surrounded by smokers. Who don't know that I am preg.

wife2jason_mom2ryley

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Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 288
Location: Amherst VA

Posted: 10-03-05 17:07pm


I was a smoker myself untill I found out I was pregnant. Yes, for me it was that easy...I knew there was a precious life growing in me. Everytime I picked up my pack of cigg to smoke I felt so guilty....My heart broke for my baby with the thought of me smoking knowing that it was hurting my child. I smoked for 5 years...About a pack a day. I just really don't understand how anyone can smoke knowing that it is getting to their babies. It really breaks my heart!!! It just seems selfish to me. All of you who are smoking while pregnant...You can quit!!! I have faith in all of you!!! I'll be praying for you!! Teresa it's awesome that you all are making an effort to quit by the way!!!

Sarah1978

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy

Joined: 15 Sep 2005
Posts: 123
Location: NZ

Posted: 10-03-05 17:10pm

wife2jason_mom2ryley wrote:

i was a smoker myself untill I found out I was pregnant. Yes, for me it was that easy...I knew there was a precious life growing in me. Everytime I picked up my pack of cigg to smoke I felt so guilty....My heart broke for my baby with the thought of me smoking knowing that it was hurting my child. I smoked for 5 years...About a pack a day. I just really don't understand how anyone can smoke knowing that it is getting to their babies. It really breaks my heart!!! It just seems selfish to me. All of you who are smoking while pregnant...You can quit!!! I have faith in all of you!!! I'll be praying for you!!

Teresa

i am so jealous that you found it so easy!! Its still hard after two weeks for me.

Last edited by Sarah1978 on 10-03-05 21:38pm; edited 1 time in total

Sarah1978

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Joined: 15 Sep 2005
Posts: 123
Location: NZ

Posted: 10-03-05 21:37pm

jlee77 wrote:

sarah1978 wrote:

wife2jason_mom2ryley wrote:

just knowing that smoking is hurting your unborn baby should be enough!!! Concentrate on that!!! Good luck!!!

Teresa

actually, it is. It's your baby, flesh and blood. I have smoked and I know the habit. Knowing the reason for quitting is for your love of your baby should not be as hard as your making it. With all due respect, stop being selfish and quit.

maybe I should re-phrase that to say for some people its not that easy. I have been without ciggarettes for two weeks now and i'm proud of that but I found it very hard as is 'jordan h' who started this topic and is here for a bit of advice about it.

Spanky2005

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Joined: 30 Jul 2005
Posts: 76
Location: Philadelphia

Smoking Posted: 10-03-05 22:35pm


I think it was bernard shaw that said "quitting smoking is the easiest thing in the world...I've done it hundreds of times" (or something like that) i know how hard it is to quit smoking. I have quit time and time again and started right back. Sometimes its for two days or two weeks but for some reason (mental or physical urge) I cant ever give it up for good. Sometimes my friends smoke and I just can't say no to them for fear of losing my f'ship with them or feeling left out. Most of the time though its a craving. I have heard that nicotine is as bad as morphine in terms of addiction. I think if you are pregnant, if anything can make you quit its knowing the fact that smoking increases the chances of birth defects. What would happen if you had a baby with some deformity such as missing a limb? You would blame yourself and wouldn't be able to live with yourself for the rest of your life knowing you were responsible for it. Just my thoughts here..And I know full well its incredibly hard to quit smoking..If anyone can give me any ideas on quitting I would appreciate them too.

poohbear101

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Joined: 30 Nov 2004
Posts: 383

Posted: 10-03-05 23:31pm


I quit smoking a year and a half ago, although I did pick up for a little while again but it was only for a couple weeks which I was pretty pissed at myself for doing because at the time I hadn't smoked in a year. I will admit in the beginning it was hard, but not as hard as I expected it to be. It was actually my bf at the time that made me quit. He made a deal with me that if I gave up something he didn't like hed give up something I didn't like. At first I was irritable and really moody but just like everything else over time it got easier. And soon I couldn't even stand the smell of smoke and the thought of having one turned my stomach. I'm not saying that its going to be easy but you just have to take it a day at a time and just keep reminding yourself that you're doing it for your baby so s/he will be healthy and thats the most important thing. And not to scare you but my cousin smoked while she was pregnant with her son and he was born with a really bad heart condition. Doctors don't know for sure what caused it but when they found out that she did smoke during the pregnancy they told her it could have been a factor.

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Joined: 31 Mar 2005
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Location: Melbourne, Australia

Smoking Posted: 10-04-05 01:27am


I was a very heavy smoker when I found out I was pregnant the first time- and it was such a shock, that I did smoke 3 or 4 in rapid succession straight after I did the test. I was also a pot smoker- in the evenings after work, and on weekends, never during the day. As luck would have it, the shock cigarettes I had only left me with one in the pack, which I smoked over a coffee with my best friend the next day while I told her my suprise news. I found I couldn't actually buy another pack, knowing I was pregnant. I did have the odd puff of other poeples cigarettes at work, but only once or twice, and it was so long since I had smoked properly, that those puffs tasted terrible. It wasn't worth it. I was lucky though- I never really craved a cigarette again while I was pregnant. On my "smoke" breaks at wok, i'd walk around the block, there was quite a nice park nearby, so it was nice. Mind you, for all I didn't miss it, I started smoking again after I finished breastfeeding !!!! I'm 35 weeeks along with my second now, and this time, we did it on purpose, so I had all but completely quit in advance this time 'round. It was a bit harder, becuase I wasn't actually pregnant yet, so I was still smoking on weekends, and after dark sometimes. Once I got the positive test result, that was the end of that. I still haven't really fancied one- although in a crazy roll-reversal, my non-smoking husband has recently taken it up (socially) and so has my mother!!!!!!!!!!!! It should be a heart scald to see the pair of them smoking together every time we get together for a bbq, or just a few drinks or whatever, but for some reason, it hasn't really bothered me. Water helps, delay tactics, like if I still really want one in 15 minutes, then i'll just have one dammit really work, especially if you find something to distract you in those 15 minutes- something that keeps your hands busy like the knitting idea is good. Finally- when I told my doctors etc. That I had been a smoker, at my pre-natal care appointments, they told me that if not having a cigarete was causing me great stress, or upsetting me alot, I should just go and have one and be done with it, as it would be less harm to the baby that all the stress. They told me as far as the infant mortality rate goes, it drops right off if the mother smokes less than 10 a day. Mind you they didn't mention any other health problems etc. That might be associated with smoking, even less than 10 a day. Just knowing that if I really wanted to smoke, and it was making my skin crawl or whatever, I could have the occasional one actually helped me not to have any. I never felt that I needed one enough to have it. Sometimes when you tell somebody they can't do something, it's the surest way to make them think of nothing else but doing that particular thing. If you say, if you really really feel you need to then go ahead, they may find they don;t really need to- that's the way I am anyway. Best of luck.

wife2jason_mom2ryley

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Joined: 19 Sep 2005
Posts: 288
Location: Amherst VA

Posted: 10-04-05 15:22pm


My prenatal doc told me that she smoked off and on during all of her pregnancy and that i'd be fine if I wanted to do the same!!! I was shocked!!! I was thinking..."aren't you suppose to encourage me not to smoke". Needless to say, she isn't my babies pediatrician!!! Lol!!! It does make since about smoking one if your really stressing and needing one because I guess the stress could do just as much damage as one cigg. I could never do it though. Like I said every time I picked up my pack I felt like I was hurting my baby. I'm telling you guys, if you just concentrate on your baby while you are smoking that cigg...You'll end up putting it out because you'll feel so guilty. Well...Good luck to you all!!! Teresa white

Sarah1978

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Joined: 15 Sep 2005
Posts: 123
Location: NZ

Posted: 10-04-05 15:36pm


I had the problem (still do now) is that I can't imagine that there is a baby growing inside of me, even though I know I am pg, to me it seemed like it is just an extra line on a hpt. I am the sort of person who needs to see or feel something before I will believe that exists (that goes for everything). So during those first few day when I quit smoking I couldn't think of the harm I was causing my baby coz it didn't seem real, it was impossible for me to imagine that. We am going for the 1st scan in 2 days so the reality that this is happening will probably sink in then cause I will have seen our unborn child, then I will know I am pg.