How to Get Help To Quit Smoking During Pregnancy
Blues Perspectives
| 2 min read
Smoking while you're pregnant can harm both you and your baby. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for developing babies, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects of the mouth and lip. Quitting smoking now can help your baby’s health, no matter how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Take Action Now
Not only will quitting now benefit your baby’s health, but it’s better for your health too.
- Twenty minutes after you quit smoking, your heart rate improves.
- Three months after you quit smoking, your blood circulation and lung function improve.
- One year after you quit smoking, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker.
- Five years after you quit smoking, your risk of stroke is that of someone who has never smoked.
We know that quitting is hard, especially when you’re pregnant. We’re here to help make it easier so your baby will be healthier.
How to Quit
Our no-cost Tobacco Quit Program offers special resources for pregnant women. You’ll receive nine counseling calls, one female quit coach and gift card rewards for keeping appointments. All Michigan Tobacco Quitline counseling is confidential and has no cost for Blue Cross Complete members. The Quitline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669. Your quit coach will help you and your baby by:
- Helping you enroll
- Signing you up for text messages, if you want them
- Working with you to choose a quit date and build a quit plan
- Finding your motivations and triggers
- Planning for stresses and new triggers that may come with your pregnancy
- Explaining the effects of smoking on babies and children
Dangers of Smoking While Pregnant
Nicotine, which is found in both cigarettes and some e-cigarettes, can cause your baby to have problems developing their:
- Heart
- Brain
- Lungs
- Immune system
Quitting now could help you and your baby avoid health complications later in life. Wherever you are in your pregnancy, or however long you’ve smoked, it’s not too late to quit. If you’re ready to quit smoking, we’re here to help. Call the Michigan Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sources:
