Hello Everyone,

In this article, I want to talk about using tobacco during pregnancy. I have already written about using cannabis during pregnancy, but I think it’s essential also to stop using cigarettes. Quebec’s Institut National de Santé Publique (INSPQ) has just updated its health files concerning tobacco and pregnancy, and I want to share this new information with you.

In this article:

• The use of tobacco during pregnancy in numbers
• The impacts of smoking cigarettes
• Tobacco and breastfeeding
• How can I deal with my smoking addiction?

By providing you with the following information, I don’t want to make anyone feel guilty. I merely want to give you the right information, raise your awareness and maybe help you change your smoking habits for the health of mothers, future babies and other members of the family. Since my mission is to be a sort of teacher, I try to inform you about the good things you can do to maximise your health and the health of your baby. By doing so, I’m aware that I deal with habits that aren’t easy to change. However, trying is always worth the effort.

Why do I suggest never smoking? Why do we recommend avoiding smoking during your pregnancy? Why should you also avoid exposure to second-hand smoke? What about tobacco during breastfeeding? I will talk about this here, and also available resources to help you deal with your nicotine addiction.

Having worked with families for more than 30 years as a clinical nurse in the Quebec health system, including almost 10 in the delivery room, my experience has helped me link theory and reality. I now understand the possible impacts of nicotine on a pregnant woman, the progress of her pregnancy and also on the baby.

Read the following part on the use of tobacco during pregnancy in numbers.