Half of pregnant women who quit smoking, start again after birth
July 28, 2008 by Marijke Durning, RN
Filed under Women's Health
Being pregnant can be a strong motivator to quit smoking. According to statistics from the American Cancer society, 45% of pregnant women who smoke, quit while they’re pregnant. Sadly, half begin smoking again within six months of having their baby and up to 80% resume within a year. Women most likely to begin smoking again are those who have postpartum depression and/or have husbands or partners who smoke.
Here is an interesting article, over at USA Today, Pregnancy can motivate smokers to kick habit, that talks about one woman’s struggle and the best way for pregnant women to go about quitting smoking – and staying away from cigarettes after the baby is born.
Image: Newscom
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As someone who smoked quite a bit before my first pregnancy, I got to where I couldn’t stand it by the end. I didn’t smoke other than certain alcoholic occasions for many months, but did revert back to a one cigarette a day habit before this pregnancy. It was all I craved and after that one, I was fine with no urge to smoke any more.
It’s hard when your spouse smokes, too. You’re around that person and the temptation is there.
Thanks for sharing – you’re pretty well backing up the research – it’s interesting to see that this is so true.
I find it odd that I have that craving for just that one. Honestly, it’s very rare that I would have more than one a day.
But I sometimes wonder if that’s just because I get to be alone (no kiddo and the husband’s busy kiddo-watching) and have five minutes of peace to myself. It’s almost like an excuse sometimes.