Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy

You may have just learned you are pregnant, or you may be months along. Either way, it's not too late to make a change. Every cigarette you don't smoke is a benefit to you and your baby. Deciding not to smoke can be a tough choice, but you can change. Even if you've tried before, don't give up. Many smokers try quitting four or five times before they succeed.

Pick a Way to Quit

You can stop smoking in either of the ways listed below:

• Cold turkey: Today you smoke, tomorrow you don't. This is rough at first, but changes take place quickly and withdrawal may be shorter.

• Tapering off: Over time, reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. To do so, increase the amount of time between each smoke. Try not to inhale.

Set a Quit Date

No matter which method you choose, pick a date to quit smoking entirely.

• Choose a date within the next 2-4 weeks.

• After picking the day, mark it in bold letters on a calendar.

Set Limits

Whether you decide to quit cold turkey or to taper off, setting limits can help you quit.

• Limit where you smoke. Pick one room or a porch, and smoke only in that place.

• Make smoking outdoors a house rule. Other smokers won't tempt you as much.

• Hang a list of "quit benefits" in the spot where you smoke. Put one on the refrigerator and one on your car dashboard.

• Join a stop-smoking group.