Is it Safe to Vape During Pregnancy?

Whether or not it is safe for women to vape during their pregnancies can have the ability to split a room. Many websites will tell you not to vape during pregnancy, whilst other studies say that it may not be as dangerous as everyone says.

So in this article, we will take a comprehensive look at both sides so you have all the information you need to make an informed decision for yourself during your pregnancy.

The Study for Women Who Vape During Pregnancy

A study published in the National Library of Medicine contained a randomised, controlled trial with 1,140 pregnant smokers to evaluate the effectiveness of e-cigarettes. Among them, 569 vaped refillable e-cigarettes, and 571 wore nicotine patches.

The main results demonstrated no significant differences in the two groups' rates of prolonged reduction in smoking - or relatively low differences.

It found that E-cigarettes (vaping) did not raise the risk regarding the safety outcomes, which also included complications throughout pregnancy and at birth.

The group who used e-cigarettes throughout pregnancy had a lower frequency of low birth weight in their babies, and the other risks were equivalent between the two study groups.

Therefore, the researchers concluded that vaping effectively replaces nicotine patches for pregnant women who want to stop smoking.

The Stigma Of Vaping Throughout Pregnancy

Researchers from Cardiff University discovered that numerous pregnant smokers smoke privately to prevent being shamed in public.

Additionally, one woman claimed that when using an e-cigarette to vape in public, witnesses "judged" her, despite UK midwives saying that vaping is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes.

Education about the advantages and safety of vape smoking is required to further public awareness.

The Advantages of Vaping During Pregnancy

Vaping during pregnancy allows you to modify nicotine intake to your preferences. The availability of various e-liquid flavours allows users to keep the level of enjoyment they get from traditional smoking. These are two of the main advantages of vaping over nicotine patches while pregnant or trying to quit smoking altogether.

Research has shown a rise in vaping among pregnant women who smoke before conceiving. Studies comparing the two methods' effectiveness in helping people quit smoking have shown that vaping and e-cigarettes are preferred alternatives.

The Negative Side of Vaping During Pregnancy

Nicotine, an addictive substance in e-cigarettes, may impact your baby's growth. In addition, the physical duress of addiction can alter your body, and although it may be difficult to hear, your child may also be impacted by that.

Given that vaping doesn't burn tobacco and therefore doesn't create tar or carbon monoxide, it is likely safer than smoking. Therefore, it means that vaping is probably better than cigarette smoking while pregnant if quitting nicotine 100% is too difficult at this time.

However, nicotine remains an issue, which studies have shown is present in vapes in approximately the exact amounts as in cigarettes.

The Side Effects of Nicotine in Pregnancy

Nicotine is inhaled from cigarettes and vapes, travels through the bloodstream, and can directly affect your unborn child. While expecting, smoking or vaping could:


• Reduce the air supply to both you and your developing child.
• Cause the baby's heart rate to rise.
• Elevate the possibility of SIDS and miscarriage.
• Increase the likelihood of the child being born early.
• Raise the chance that your baby will experience respiratory issues.

The likelihood that your baby will experience any of these or other medical problems tends to rise when having nicotine.

Can You Use Nicotine-Free Vaping Whilst Pregnant?

As research is ongoing, it is difficult to say whether using zero-nicotine e-cigarettes while pregnant is safe.

Although nicotine addiction is the primary issue, scientists are still investigating the potential impacts of e-cigarette flavours.

Having said that, utilising less nicotine while pregnant is undoubtedly recommended; we have seen that not only is vaping as much as 95% less harmful as compared to smoking (according to Public Health England, amongst others). Nicotine-free e-liquid is the healthier option, providing a full and flavoursome vape.

What Are Some Ways to Kick The Nicotine Addiction?

As we have seen, nicotine is the main problem regarding vaping or smoking. So what are some things you can do to decrease or quit your nicotine addiction during pregnancy:


• Understand that every little bit matters. Nicotine withdrawal is challenging; however, every cigarette you can avoid is a success. Instead of punishing yourself for relapsing, encourage yourself to opt for a vape instead.
• Count on your network of friends and family. Finding smoke-free social situations can help you forget about your problems and be reminded of why you're quitting.
• Try substituting nicotine. The full effects of vaping while pregnant are unknown. But if you don't feel safe vaping, we know that nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges are all safer options.

Vaping during pregnancy: a better or worse option?

Even though it would be better to stop while pregnant completely, it is well-known how challenging that can be.

The findings of a research that examined both current and former smokers revealed:

Samples from former smokers using only NRT or e-cigarettes were found to have substantially lower levels of cancer-causing chemicals, TSNAs, and VOCs than samples from current smokers.

Even though studies indicate nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is no more successful at helping a smoker quit than simply going "cold turkey," it has become the most frequently used suggestion from healthcare professionals, especially during pregnancy.

Vaping may be a better choice if you're having trouble quitting and with NRT. It is definitely preferable over continuing to smoke regular cigarettes.

Conclusion

We hope this article has given you some insight into both sides of the vaping whilst pregnant debate. If you want to try vaping, browse our wide range of vapes at GoSmokeFree Today.

But we suggest that if you are unsure, always consult your doctor about the best course of action for you and your body.