How Do You Quit Smoking After Becoming Pregnant?
You should quit smoking during pregnancy to provide your baby with a healthy environment at this critical development and growth time. Follow these steps to get it done. Step 1 Decide that you are going to quit smoking, even if it is something that takes time. Don’t say, “I’ll try,” instead think, “I will.” Step 2 Read about the harm smoking cigarettes can cause to an unborn child. This should increase your motivation to quit. Step 3 Envision your baby when you feel compelled to smoke. Consider putting a picture of a baby or your ultrasound scan picture on your pack of cigarettes, so that each time you reach for a cigarette, you are reminded of the risk. Step 4 Do something else when a craving strikes you. Take a walk or do something that occupies your hands. The average nicotine craving lasts only about 3 minutes, so when a bad craving strikes, you only have to make it through those 3 minutes and the feeling will vanish. Step 5 Reward yourself for every milestone you hit. If you go a