When you are going to become a mom, then your health is not only your health but also the health of your baby. The activities you do the food you eat will directly affect the child. You’ll do anything to protect your little one.
If you smoked before you conceived, you might have switched from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes because you heard they were harmless. Or, if you’re a non-smoker, you might have wondered whether secondhand vapor from electronic cigarettes affects your baby. There are a lot of things you need to know about the latest research on vaping and pregnancy 2018.
What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes deliver nicotine in a vapor. In e-cigarettes, the cartridge heats up water and releases vapor, this water can be flavored, and it can contain varying levels of nicotine.
They come in many shapes, sizes such as regular cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pens, pocket flashlights, small screwdrivers or USB memory sticks. You can also call it as e-cigs, vape pens, personalized vaporizers.
Ingredients in E-cigarette
The ingredients in an e-cig may vary brand by brand, but it contains these 4 essential ingredients and some amount of nicotine.
- Vegetable glycerin – It is made up of coconut oil, and you will get this in an additive in foods. If it is carelessly consumed, then it can cause diarrhea, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
- Propylene Glycol – It is a synthetic chemical, but comes in the same class. It is also added to food, medical, hygiene, and cosmetic products.
- Flavorings – Every brand has its secret ingredients for flavor.
- Nicotine
Risks of Vaping In Pregnancy
The manufacturers say that e-cigarettes don’t burn tobacco, but there is enough nicotine emitted that can affect your body. Most researchers say there are unsafe levels of nicotine for pregnant women in the second-hand vapor. This could be hazardous when in a small space for hours per day surrounded by vapors. Its exposure increases the risks of breathing problems and other health risks in kids.
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Problems with the placenta
- Preterm delivery
- Stillbirth
- Low birth weight, which may require hospitalization
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
After delivery, children of mothers who smoked cigarettes during pregnancy are at risk of:
- Asthma
- Colic
- Development of mental health problems
Doctor recommendations for pregnancy
Experts recommend preventing exposure to cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor as much as possible during pregnancy.
- Avoid all nicotine products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco and chewing tobacco.
- Make your home smoke-free.
- Ask people not to smoke around you.
- Make sure the places you visit are smoke-free.
- If you’re visiting the home of someone you know smokes inside, try to socialize outside whenever possible.
If you are addicted to cigarettes, then it might be tough for you. But it is important to leave e-cigarette while pregnant. Try to find an alternative way to indulge yourself when smoking triggers you. After all, it is a concern for your child.
