Colleague smoking in pregnancy

[Bunnylady53]

I don’t really know this colleague but we have exchanged pleasantries & I was pleased for her when she announced she was unexpectedly pregnant for the 2nd time. However, I was shocked to see her smoking outside when I was on my break. I was unable to have children naturally & it upsets me so much to see someone doing that. If you have a baby growing inside you, surely your priority should be that child’s health? Of course I won’t say anything but I find it really difficult. Can anyone identify with this?

Obviously it would be better if people made better choices about their health.

There’s a lot of support available for pregnant women who want to stop. Hopefully she will access it.

It’s literally none of your business.

I would completely judge her for this. I couldn’t be friends with someone so selfish.

Might be none of your business but since has that prevented feelings or opinions?

It’s awful. YANBU at all. But there will be plenty of posters that tell you to piss off and mind your own.

I remember leaving the hospital after having my miscarriage confirmed and having to walk through a fug of smoke created by several very heavily pregnant women smoking. I too felt angry and frustrated that they could/would do that to the most precious gift.

However, addiction is strong, I’m sure she knows the risks and ultimately it’s her choice. It is shocking to see these days and I totally understand how you feel.

If you are really concerned, talk to her. She must know its bad for the baby already, and maybe she needs support. Hypnotherapy worked for me, but the cost can put people off. If you asked what you could do to help/ support her give up, maybe she'd respond positively. You'd be running the risk that she might not appreciate your interference, but there is a chance that's she's already having an internal battle, and encouragement at this point might mean that she gives up, or at least cuts back.

There’s another colleague who had a major heart attack which nearly killed him yet he’s still smoking!