Smoking and pregnancy

Benefits of quitting

• Quitting at any time will give your baby a better chance of being healthier.  
• It will also help you have less risks during your pregnancy.  
• Smoking may impact your baby’s birth weight. This can cause problems during and after birth. A strong and healthy baby means a safer birth for you and the baby. 

Where to go for help with quitting

• Talk to your midwife, doctor or health worker
• Call Quitline on 13 78 48
• Visit the Quit Tasmania website
• Download the MyQuitBuddy app
• Speak to a smoking cessation nurse if you are in hospital

Learn more about quitting smoking

Fact or Fiction

This is what Tasmanian women told us:

"I’m already pregnant so there’s no point stopping now"

Fact:

• It’s never too late to quit.
• Quitting at any time will give your baby a better chance of being healthier.
• Quitting will reduce the chance of you having pregnancy problems.

"A small baby means a quicker and easier delivery"

Fact:

• Having a small baby does not make birth quicker or easier.
• Small babies often don’t cope well with the stress of labour.
• Small babies are more likely to have health problems at birth.
• A strong and healthy baby means a safer birth for you and the baby.

"Doctors are just trying to scare me"

Fact:

• Even if your baby is born a healthy weight, they are still more likely to have problems with feeding, settling and breathing.
• They are at much higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and health problems later in life.

"Smoking is relaxing, which is better for my baby"

• Smoking may seem like it makes you feel relaxed because it stops nicotine withdrawal.
• It actually makes you more stressed by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
• Smoking makes baby more stressed because it doesn’t get enough oxygen.
• Try giving yourself some time out and taking a few deep breaths.

"Cutting down is safer than quitting"

• Cutting down is a good start.
• Cutting down does not stop the poisons getting through to your baby.
• There is no safe level of smoking for you or your baby.

"Quitting is dangerous for my baby"

• Giving up smoking does not stress an unborn baby.
• Continuing to smoke does stress an unborn baby.
• It increases the chances of problems for your pregnancy and baby.

"Quitting is hard"

• Most people have to try a few times before they get there.
• With help and support you can do it.

Download the Fact or Fiction brochure about smoking in pregnancy

Learn more about smoking and pregnancy