A new study from Queen Mary University of London suggests that using e-cigarettes during pregnancy may help women quit smoking without harming their babies.
The researchers found that babies born to mothers who vaped after the first trimester had similar birth weights to babies of non-smokers. Their weights were higher than babies whose mothers smoked throughout pregnancy.
Study Found No Major Risks from Vaping
The study tracked 1,140 pregnant smokers who wanted to quit. Women who used nicotine replacements like patches or vaping products were compared to those who quit cold turkey.
Key findings:
- Vaping after the 1st trimester did not affect baby’s birth weight
- No evidence of risks from vaping compared to quitting entirely
- Vaping helped more women stop smoking cigarettes
Professor Peter Hajek, lead researcher, said:
“E-cigarettes helped pregnant smokers quit without posing any detectable risks compared to stopping entirely. Using nicotine products in pregnancy appears safe.”
The study suggests nicotine may not be responsible for smoking’s negative effects. Other chemicals in cigarettes likely cause more damage.
However, vaping’s long-term impacts on pregnant women and fetuses require more research.
Conflicts with Warnings on Nicotine and Pregnancy
Public health agencies strongly advise against nicotine use during pregnancy. Nicotine is known to stunt fetal brain and lung development.
The FDA has not approved vapes for smoking cessation. Many contain addictive nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals.
The CDC links smoking to higher risks of:
- Miscarriage
- Premature birth
- SIDS
- Lung problems
While this study found no short-term issues, the long-term effects of vaping in pregnancy remain unknown.
Experts Urge Caution with Vaping in Pregnancy
Given the lack of research on vaping and pregnancy, most experts recommend avoiding both cigarettes and vaping.
Dr. Blanca Fuentes, OB/GYN, advises:
“We still don’t know the long-term effects of vaping on mom and baby. Until we have more data, women should try to quit smoking through counseling and approved nicotine therapies.”
Rather than switch to vaping, pregnant women are encouraged to:
- Talk to their doctor about smoking cessation options
- Join a support group
- Use mindfulness and behavior therapy
While this study provides some reassurance, more research is still needed. For now, stopping all nicotine intake during pregnancy remains the safest choice.
Key Takeaways on Vaping and Pregnancy
- A new study found no major risks from vaping after the 1st trimester
- But long-term impacts remain unknown
- Experts still recommend avoiding all nicotine during pregnancy
- More research is needed on vaping’s safety for mothers and babies
For pregnant women struggling with smoking, support and approved nicotine therapies should be the first line of treatment. While this study suggests vaping could be safer than smoking, quitting tobacco entirely is still the best option.
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