'I help support pregnant women to quit smoking. They all have 3 things in common.'

Quitting smoking is something that takes perseverance and dedication, along with support from loved ones. 

Though for pregnant women, it can be extra daunting. 

In NSW alone, 8.6 per cent of pregnant women smoke during their pregnancy.

It's a statistic that has fortunately declined over the years, but something that still can be improved upon – not only for the health of the expecting parent, but for their unborn child as well. 

Professor Tracey O'Brien, and her team at Cancer Institute NSW, have a long history of working on programs helping pregnant women and pregnant people with smoking. She wants people to know it is achievable to quit smoking – and gain the necessary motivation and tools to do so.

"Most pregnant [people] do want to quit, because they know you can give your baby the best start in life by quitting smoking. Because there is no safe level of smoking during pregnancy," Professor O'Brien said to Mamamia.

As both a paediatrician, and Chief Cancer Officer for Cancer Institute NSW, Professor O'Brien has directly seen the impact that smoking can have.

Smoking in pregnancy significantly increases the chance of having a premature and low birth weight baby. And a low birth weight does not make delivery any easier, as some myths suggest. Plus, babies born with a low birth weight are more likely to have negative health outcomes.

"The health implications of smoking are great. Many people can have issues falling pregnant, and smoking can contribute to miscarriage, stillbirth and issues with a baby’s growth and development while in utero. And if a [pregnant parent] smokes during pregnancy, the baby is at a greater risk of needing to be taken to intensive care when born," Professor O'Brien noted.

Image: Getty.

For pregnant people trying to quit smoking, Professor O'Brien shares from her experience the three things they have in common.

1. Most do want to protect their baby by quitting smoking. There is a genuine desire to do the right thing.

2. Those trying to quit smoking often say they regularly experience feelings of guilt. Considering the amount of pressure pregnancy already brings, health experts want to try to mitigate these feeling of guilt.    

3. Many expectant parents fear that quitting smoking during pregnancy will add stress to their baby. But this is a common misconception – regardless of whether you quit in the first, second or third trimester, any level of stress associated with quitting smoking won't hurt the baby. Quitting can only help. And if anything, continuing to smoke will add more stress to the baby.

"Even cutting down or maintaining a low level of smoking in any stage of pregnancy (pre or postpartum) doesn't eliminate the risk to your baby – the only real way to protect your child is to fully quit," Professor O'Brien said to Mamamia.

Look for assistance from medical professionals, including midwives and doctors. They are always there to help.

"Having an open and honest conversation with your health professional is important. Tell them what your challenges are and how you’re feeling. Health professionals will always try to and be as helpful, supportive and non-judgemental as possible," Professor O'Brien said.

The data is clear that accessing support services when quitting smoking is the best way to approach it.

"Today, pregnant [people] who smoke aren't just using cigarettes, but often vapes as well. I worry that those smoking while pregnant may think vaping a product labelled 'non-nicotine' is safe. But it isn't, with the vast majority of vapes, when tested in studies, containing nicotine as well as other dangerous chemicals," Professor O'Brien explained.

A medical professional would be able to explain the free tools available and what's the best approach, including the use of nicotine replacement therapies.

Support and empathy from loved ones is key.

People who smoke may see it as a part of their identity, seeing cigarettes as a support or stress reliever. That can take time to unpick.

It also means support from family and friends is really beneficial during the period of quitting. 

"Support is always available, with lots of resources out there, including info sheets, and helplines. But it's also up to those around the person trying to quit to lend an empathetic ear and be supportive."

Over years of seeing pregnant women quit smoking, Professor O'Brien said it's always "very special and humbling" to see someone make the decision to quit for good.

"Pregnancy is a joyous yet challenging time for many. It can be hard to give up certain lifestyle factors, but we know it's in the best interest of the expectant parent and child. I just want everyone to know that free tools and support services are readily available and that quitting is possible and achievable. And for anyone who is pregnant reading this who would like to quit smoking – you are not alone, and there's help available."

To contact the NSW Quitline, simply dial 13 7848 (13 QUIT).

Feature Image: Getty.