If you can, the answer is yes

As a pregnant woman, you probably know that smoking is not good for your growing baby and are ready to quit. However, quitting is harder than it sounds, so many pregnant woman wonder what the best way to quit smoking is and whether cold turkey is safe for them and their infant.

The best way to quit is different for everyone

The best way to quit smoking is a way that works for you, and works as soon as possible.

If you can quit cold turkey, that would be the ideal choice because it stops the flow of nicotine and other toxins into the baby’s system as soon as possible. Although you may experience side effects and irritability, the baby will not, so it is not harmful to him or her.

Unless you are such a heavy smoker that you go into severe withdrawals such as seizures, cold turkey is the best option as long as you can do it successfully.

When going cold turkey is too hard

For many smokers, quitting cold turkey is simply too difficult. They are unsuccessful without other means of support during the challenging process of stopping. For these women, it is important to consult your doctor before using any stop-smoking aid.

Although medications and nicotine replacement therapies are safe for adults, they may have side effects that can be dangerous to your baby. As long as your doctor knows that you are a smoker and trying to quit, he or she can help you make the best and safest decision to help you stop smoking and have a healthier pregnancy.

What every mother wants

Healthy moms and healthy pregnancies are the best way to get a healthy baby, so having a healthy pregnancy is something that is important to everyone during this incredibly exciting time in your life. Here are some ideas to help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible!

Educate yourself

The best thing you can do is to learn as much as possible about what is happening and what to expect during your pregnancy, childbirth, and infancy. Once you have this information, you will be able to discern between normal changes and ones that should be discussed with your health care professional. You can read books, check out websites (being careful to stick to reliable sources), and ask your doctor for advice and information to add to your knowledge base.

Good habits

Another way to stay healthy during this time is to establish habits that will help you be healthy and safe after your pregnancy as well. Remember to wear your seat belt and exercise regularly – these are things you know you should have been doing anyway, but with the baby growing inside of you, you have a better reason than ever to take especially good care of yourself.

Better diet

Eat a varied diet while you are expecting with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help you get the nutrients both you and the baby need and the fiber in these foods will alleviate constipation issues that are common among pregnant women. Also, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.