Vaping FAQs

how vaping affects pregnancy

by Lila Hettinger Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Far from the physical health of the pregnant woman, vaping may affect her social health. As often any unhealthy habit during pregnancy is easily stigmatized by people, expectant women who vape may experience isolation or verbal abuse, which can cause additional stress to the body. Any burst of cortisol can hurt the fetus.

Using electronic cigarettes (vaping) during pregnancy isn't safe. Most electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) contain nicotine, which permanently damages a baby's developing brain and many other organs. E-cigarette liquids also contain chemicals, flavors and other additives that might not be safe for your baby.

Full Answer

Is vaping when pregnant harmful to Your Baby?

Vaping during pregnancy has deeper implications. In utero exposure to nicotine, which is found in many vaping products, is known to directly harm fetuses by causing abnormal lung, heart, brain, and immune system development, which carries lifelong consequences.

Does vaping affect your fertility?

While research is ongoing, it appears that yes, vaping can lead to fertility difficulties. A recent study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found a correlation between e-cigarette use and embryo implantation.

How does smoking and drinking affect pregnancy?

Smoking during pregnancy has also been linked with many health problems, including:

  • Problems with the placenta
  • Premature birth
  • Birth defects
  • Low birth weight
  • Pregnancy loss

Does smoking marijuana effect getting pregnant?

When a pregnant woman smokes marijuana, it increases her exposure to carbon monoxide gas. This can affect the oxygen the baby receives, which could impact the baby’s ability to grow. While this doesn’t always happen in babies whose mothers smoked marijuana, it can increase a baby’s risk.

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Will vaping while pregnant affect your baby?

Although the aerosol of e-cigarettes generally has fewer harmful substances than cigarette smoke, e-cigarettes and other products containing nicotine are not safe to use during pregnancy. Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and developing babies and can damage a developing baby's brain and lungs.

Is vaping worse than smoking while pregnant?

It's true that vapes and e-cigarettes have fewer chemicals than those found in traditional cigarettes, but vaping chemicals can also be harmful. There are several dangers associated with vaping while pregnant. There are also increased risks for infants who are exposed to vaping or nicotine.

Can you have a healthy baby if you smoke during pregnancy?

And smoking while you're pregnant can cause serious problems, too. Your baby could be born too early, have a birth defect, or die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Even being around cigarette smoke can cause health problems for you and your baby. It's best to quit smoking before you get pregnant.

Can vaping cause miscarriage?

Is vaping safe during pregnancy? No. Most vaping products contain nicotine, which is known to be harmful to a developing baby. Nicotine use in pregnancy can harm a baby's developing brain, can cause babies to be born too small or too early, and increases the chance of miscarriage, stillbirth, and SIDS.

Which is worse vaping or smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

Can I smoke at 6 weeks pregnant?

Smoking can increase your baby's risk of birth defects, preterm birth, low birth weight, and SIDS. Smoking during pregnancy can also cause pregnancy complications, including abnormal bleeding, miscarriage, and stillbirth. There's no safe amount of cigarette smoke during pregnancy, so the sooner you quit the better.

How long does nicotine stay in a fetus system?

This pilot study represents the first examination of specific effects of maternal smoking during on infant neurobehavior at 10–27 days. The half-life of nicotine is approximately 2.5 hours in adults15 and 9–11 hours in newborns,16--one of the shortest half-lives of drugs used during pregnancy17.

Does vaping cause low birth weight?

Conclusion. The use of electronic cigarettes in pregnancy is not associated with low birth weight or preterm delivery. Both maternal and neonatal outcomes appear to be similar to non-smokers.

How many studies have reported that pregnant women vaped?

Twelve studies reported patterns of use, but findings were inconsistent. Twelve of fourteen studies asking why pregnant women vaped reported that most vaped to reduce or quit smoking. Mixed findings were reported from six studies on smoking cessation.

Is vaping bad for pregnant women?

Smoking causes many negative health outcomes for pregnant women and to babies born to people who smoke. There remains a paucity of research on the effects of vaping in pregnancy. There is, however, the potential for vaping products to reduce the negative health outcomes associated with smoking. More …

Does vaping affect birth weight?

The limited literature suggests that vaping in pregnancy has little or no effect on birthweight.

Can you smoke while pregnant?

It is estimated that half of all women who smoke prior to becoming pregnant will continue to smoke during and after the pregnancy. The impact of smoking while pregnant can lead to preterm birth, birth defects and an increased chance of sudden infant death syndrome. Because of this, a growing number of women who choose to smoke while pregnant are being encouraged to switch to vaping.

Can vaping affect the fetus?

Altering the blood supply in the fetal environment can create a hostile environment for the fetus and result in serious issues during child and adult life. A major finding from a prior work published by Olfert and Chantler in the Journal of Applied Physiology in 2018 showed the vaping produced similar dysfunctional response in blood vessels of male and female animals as did smoking cigarettes. So there is great concern that women who are switching to vaping during pregnancy because they think it is better than smoking are wrong, and that vaping will lead to the same problems and complications for offspring as smoking.

What are the side effects of vaping (E-cigarettes) while pregnant?

The full effects of vaping and vaping while pregnant are still being investigated but the following are a list of the current known side effects:

How to stop vaping while pregnant?

Nicotine is dangerous for the baby and the mother and so it is best to choose a natural method of quitting smoking and vaping – one that avoids any drugs.

What are the risks of smoking cigarettes while pregnant?

Miscarriage. Placenta issues. Stillbirth. Low weight babies. Read more about the side effects of smoking while pregnant.

Can vaping harm a baby?

It can damage the baby’s brain and is a risk to both the mother’s lungs and the babies lungs 1. The best advice and safest advice is for expectant mothers not to vape because not enough is known about the safety of vaping especially during pregnancy and even juices without nicotine may contain harmful chemicals.

What are the conditions that can be exacerbated by the ultrafine particles inhaled by vapers?

Asthma & emphysema – these can be exacerbated by the ultrafine particles inhaled by vapers 11, 12

Is vaping liquid safe?

Some vaping liquids or juices do not contain nicotine but all vaping liquids contain chemicals which can be harmful. It is currently thought that vaping with a juice that does not contain nicotine is safer than with it. Read more about the side effects of nicotine vaping.

Is vaping bad for pregnant women?

Vaping during pregnancy is an extremely controversial issue. The expectant mother hasn’t done anything wrong and has simply found herself in a hugely difficult situation, like every other vaper and nicotine addict on the planet. Expectant mothers should be treated with kindness, understanding and respect.

What Is Vaping?

Smoking an e-cigarette, or a similar device, is known as vaping. E-cigarettes are electronic cigarettes. They are battery-powered, and work on liquid-filled cartridges. They work when the liquid gets heated and turns into vapor. This vapor is then inhaled by the user. It is because of this that smoking an e-cigarette is known as vaping.

Why do people want e-cigarettes?

Most people opt for e-cigarettes when they are addicted to nicotine but want to find a way to reduce the dosage that they consume.

What E-Liquids Do E-Cigarettes Contain?

While there are many chemicals that may go into making the e-liquid, there are four standard ingredients that are used. These are nicotine, water, vegetable glycerine base of propylene glycol, and flavorings. Let us look at each component in a little more detail:

Why is nicotine addictive?

The same holds true for regular cigarettes. Nicotine is known to raise rate of respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate. It is also known for stimulating the user’s central nervous system. Upon reaching the brain, dopamine levels start increasing, and a feeling of pleasure is released. Nicotine is said to be an ingredient that gets the brain primed to become addicted to other substances. Different manufacturers of e-liquids will use different degrees of nicotine while making their products. Some do not use it at all, while others do.

Can smoking cigarettes cause cancer?

Smoking regular cigarettes have been known to cause many health issues, out of which cancer is a very serious and notable one. E-cigarettes have also been linked to lung diseases and cancer. The level of nicotine that is present in e-cigarettes is not always reported correctly on the packaging.

Is vaping bad for pregnancy?

While there are the obvious health issues with nicotine, vaping can have some serious consequences when it comes to your pregnancy specifically. Here are some dangers caused by vaping of which you should be aware:

Is smoking e-cigarettes while pregnant dangerous?

How to Limit Exposure to E-Cigarettes When Pregnant. FAQs. Most people are well aware that smoking while pregnant is quite harmful to both the mother and the baby. Even so, some women may continue their nicotine habit even while they are expecting.

How common is vaping in pregnancy?

Prevalence of vaping in pregnancy (four studies) was between 1.2% and 7.0% overall, and <1% among nonsmokers. Twelve studies reported patterns of use, but findings were inconsistent. Twelve of 14 studies asking why pregnant women vaped reported that most vaped to reduce or quit smoking. Mixed findings were reported from six studies on smoking cessation. Of three studies with health-related outcomes, two were underpowered and one reported similar birthweights for babies born to nonsmokers and women who vaped, with both higher ( p < .0001) than the birthweight of babies born to smokers.

What flavor of vape is used in pregnant women?

40 Among that group, fruit was the most commonly used flavor followed by candy and mint.

How often do pregnant women vape?

Vaping frequency was inconsistently reported, and the quality of studies varied ( Supplementary Table 2 ). Among all pregnant women in clinic samples, daily use was reported at 0.6% in one study 38 and at 3% in another. 27 A large cross-sectional US survey reported that 66.5% of women who vaped in the last trimester of pregnancy did so once a day or more 41 and 10.4% used vaping products on 2–6 days per week. 41 In a cohort study, 20.8% of participants vaped on 10 or more days per month, 29.2% vaped between three and nine times per month, and 50% vaped once or twice per month. 29 One qualitative study reported that, of 29 women attending smoking cessation services, one had vaped every day in the last 30 days, and three said they vaped occasionally. 46

What is the definition of current vaping?

Current vaping was defined by Cardenas and colleagues and Clemens and colleagues as people who had vaped within the previous month. McDonnell and colleagues defined current vaping as those who self-reported “current” vaping.

Why do people vape?

Common reasons for vaping were to stop smoking or to prevent a return to smoking 27, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 43–46, 48 and to reduce harm to themselves, their baby and others. 27, 30, 32–34, 38, 39, 43, 44, 46, 48 Other reasons for vaping included being able to vape in smoke-free areas, curiosity, relative price to cigarettes, similar hand-to-mouth action as cigarettes, and taste. One study reported that some participants had quit smoking when pregnant intending to resume smoking postpartum and that vaping had prevented their return to smoking. 45

Is nicotine effective during pregnancy?

The evidence of efficacy for pharmacological support for smoking cessation in pregnancy is limited. There is even less evidence in relation to vaping products. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has shown little efficacy in controlled trials 9; however, trials have mostly used a single NRT product and none have used a combination of a patch with a faster-acting type of NRT, which has been shown to be more effective in pregnant smokers in clinical practice. 10 Efficacy of NRT in pregnancy is further limited by low adherence 9 and increased metabolism of nicotine during pregnancy. 11 There is limited evidence on harms of consuming nicotine, separate from smoking, in pregnancy. The US National Academies of Sciences (NASEM) summarized several animal studies that reported adverse effects from in-utero nicotine delivery on lung development and postnatal lung function and behavior. However, none of the studies assessed dose–response relationships, and the animal models used may not replicate human exposure. 12

How does smoking affect the health of a pregnant woman?

1 Tobacco is also harmful for pregnant women, and smoking when pregnant increases the risk of adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, miscarriage, neonatal and sudden infant death, perinatal morbidity and mortality, premature delivery, and stillbirth. 2 There are also associations between smoking in pregnancy and infant behavioral outcomes. 3, 4 Exposure to secondhand smoke (from the expectant father for example) is also associated with lower birth weight. 5 Many adverse health effects, including socioeconomic inequalities such as higher rates of infant deaths and stillbirths in more deprived groups, could be reduced by lower levels of smoking in pregnancy. 7

How many women vape before pregnancy?

According to a March 2019 study, 7% of women reported vaping three months before pregnancy, while pregnant, or up to six months after delivery. More than 38% of women who vaped during the last trimester reported using products that contained nicotine. Further compounding the issue, vaping rates have skyrocketed among middle and high school girls. ...

Why did the FDA warn about vaping?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to a prominent vaping products company, saying it had violated federal regulations because it did not receive agency approval to market its products as a healthier alternative to cigarettes.

Why do people vape?

There is no data to suggest vaping can help people quit smoking. In fact, there are several reasons that vaping may keep patients addicted to nicotine: 1 Vaping is more socially acceptable than smoking. ENDS typically don’t leave a noticeable scent in the user’s hair or clothing. 2 Sweet and fruity flavored products taste better than traditional tobacco to many patients. 3 The amount of nicotine is unregulated and not always appropriately labeled on packaging.

Is vaping better for pregnant women?

Unfortunately, many pregnant women have been led to believe that vaping instead of smoking is healthier for their babies. This confusion can be boiled down to a general lack of transparency with consumers and four widespread myths.

Can vaping harm a pregnant woman?

Vaping during pregnancy has deeper implications. In utero exposure to nicotine, which is found in many vaping products, is known to directly harm fetuses by causing abnormal lung, heart, brain, and immune system development, which carries lifelong consequences.

Can vaping help you quit smoking?

Myth 2: Vaping can help me quit smoking. There is no data to suggest vaping can help people quit smoking. In fact, there are several reasons that vaping may keep patients addicted to nicotine: Vaping is more socially acceptable than smoking. ENDS typically don’t leave a noticeable scent in the user’s hair or clothing.

Does vaping harm fetuses?

In utero exposure to nicotine, which is found in many vaping products, is known to directly harm fetuses by causing abnormal lung, heart, brain, and immune system development, which carries lifelong consequences.".

What is an e-cigarette?

What are e-cigarettes? Electronic cigarettes (also called electronic nicotine delivery systems or e-cigarettes) come in different sizes and shapes, including pens, mods, (i.e., these types are modified by the user) and tanks. Most e-cigarettes contain a battery, a heating device, and a cartridge to hold liquid.

Is nicotine bad for babies?

Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and developing babies and can damage a developing baby’s brain and lungs. Also, some of the flavorings used in e-cigarettes may be harmful to a developing baby. Top of Page.

Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes while pregnant?

You may have heard that e-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes or that they can help you to quit smoking. Quitting can be hard—but if you’re pregnant, quitting all forms of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is best for you and your baby. Learn more about resources to quit all tobacco products.

Can you quit smoking after a baby is born?

After your baby is born, you will have more options for FDA-approved quit-smoking medications. E-cigarettes are not approved by the FDA to help people quit smoking. It’s important to know that nicotine is poisonous, and parents and caregivers should keep all products containing nicotine, including e-cigarettes and stop-smoking medications, ...

Are e-cigarettes safer than regular cigarettes in pregnancy?

Although the aerosol of e-cigarettes generally has fewer harmful substances than cigarette smoke, e-cigarettes and other products containing nicotine are not safe to use during pregnancy . Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and developing babies and can damage a developing baby’s brain and lungs. Also, some of the flavorings used in e-cigarettes may be harmful to a developing baby.

How does vaping affect pregnancy?

However, nicotine use narrows the blood vessels, which can result in lack of oxygen and nutrients for the baby. At the same time, e-cigs contain chemicals that might be carcinogenic.

Why is it important to deal with nicotine withdrawal?

Dealing appropriately with nicotine withdrawal symptoms is very important for the long-term brain development of the child. If your baby was exposed to nicotine while in the womb and is showing signs of nicotine withdrawal, then it is wise to take extra care in the rearing of a behaviorally vulnerable baby.

Is vaping while pregnant safe?

Though it seems like it should be safer to vape without nicotine while pregnant, there are some studies that show that it is equally dangerous. Since these are early days in the context of vaping, there are no concrete results that definitively say that it is 100% safe or unsafe.

Can a newborn have nicotine withdrawal?

Asthma. ADHD. Note that the newborn may go through nicotine withdrawal, which can lead to trouble sleeping, eating disorders, and irritability. Therefore, many organizations, such as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend avoiding vaping and smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can vaping affect your health?

Far from the physical health of the pregnant woman, vaping may affect her social health . As often any unhealthy habit during pregnancy is easily stigmatized by people, expectant women who vape may experience isolation or verbal abuse, which can cause additional stress to the body. Any burst of cortisol can hurt the fetus.

Is vaping hard to regulate?

As e-cigs and vaporizers come in all shapes and flavors, vaping is something hard to regulate. In fact, up to 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration couldn’t keep track on all the hundreds of brands and thousands of flavors on the market. What’s more, vaping and pregnancy is a topic that has not been researched in-depth yet;

Can vaping stop you from smoking?

Nobody can stop you, but the safest option, according to experts, is to stay away from vaping and smoking. Vaping can lead to numerous problems, such as difficulties with the placenta, premature birth, stillbirth, low weight, nicotine withdrawal, and congenital disabilities. Vaping after pregnancy also has a negative effect on kids ...

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