Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy
You may have just learned you are pregnant, or you may be months along. Either way, it’s not too late to make a change. Every cigarette you don’t smoke is a benefit to you and your baby. Deciding not to smoke can be a tough choice, but you can change. Even if you’ve tried before, don’t give up. Many smokers try quitting four or five times before they succeed.
Pick a Way to Quit
You can stop smoking in either of the ways listed below:
Cold turkey: Today you smoke, tomorrow you don’t. This is rough at first, but changes take place quickly and withdrawal may be shorter.
Tapering off: Over time, reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. To do so, increase the amount of time between each smoke. Try not to inhale.
Set a Quit Date
No matter which method you choose, pick a date to quit smoking entirely.
Choose a date within the next 2–4 weeks.
After picking the day, mark it in bold letters on a calendar.
Whether you decide to quit cold turkey or to taper off, setting limits can help you quit.
Limit where you smoke. Pick one room or a porch, and smoke only in that place.
Make smoking outdoors a house rule. Other smokers won’t tempt you as much.
Hang a list of “quit benefits” in the spot where you smoke. Put one on the refrigerator and one on your car dashboard.
Join a stop-smoking group.
Your Limit List
Start by giving up cigarettes at the times you least need them. Write down a few more ideas.
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