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Original poster

Smoking while Pregnant... (!!)

367 replies

Lornatoo · 25/07/2006 23:33

Hi Guys. Normally a lurker, wondering if anybody is out there....?
My friend (honest!)is 28 weeks pregnant with her 3rd. She's really worried about her small bump. Measured at 26 weeks with the MW. She also feels really small in comparison with the previous two. She smokes heavily, is not without common sence and is REALLY worried about her unborn baby.
Now, do I NEED to point out the obvious? is it necessary? Any other somkers out there? I just don't know if I should 'put the boot in' when I'm sure she knows the answer.......?

OP posts:
flutterbee · 26/07/2006 00:06

How about you choosing not to smoke around her even when she lights up and if she asks why you are not smoking just say that because of the worry about the size of the baby you feel it would be best if you didn't smoke around her. A simple yet effective way to get your point accross.

You may already not smoke around her but if you do and you carry on doing so you become as bad as her unfortunately.

Bananaknickers · 26/07/2006 00:07

I heard that it is bad to give up completly if you are a heavey smoker because of the nicotine withdraw symtoms on unborn chid.Is that right I don't know?

FairyMum · 26/07/2006 00:08

Of course Flutterbee, but IMO smoking is pretty top of the list.

Original poster
Lornatoo · 26/07/2006 00:09

GOSH! I didn't realise what I was starting here!
And you are all so fast to reply.
Am I being a bad Mum? In between all this my DS1 has thrown up all over me, I've had a shower - he's gone back to sleep and I'm still talking to you with a glass of wine!!!!
Who's the bad one?
I KNOW my friend will be tucked up in bed taking the best of care of her 2 others and getting them the healthiest of food for tomorrow.!

OP posts:
FairyMum · 26/07/2006 00:10

I very much doubt nictoine withdrawel symptoms is bad for a baby. Its more an excuse smokers use I think. I have also heard it many times. Ooooh, but I will get so stresssed if I give up. I think more oxygen and less tar can only benefit your baby!

Original poster
Lornatoo · 26/07/2006 00:11

good idea flutterbee, but I don't live near her these days, so doesnt happen often

OP posts:
Bananaknickers · 26/07/2006 00:12

I can't remember where i heard it.I don't think I read it so yes perhaps someones excuse I don't know

Original poster
Lornatoo · 26/07/2006 00:14

btw, my boys dont know I smoke, I have 1 or 2 in the eve, outside, when they have gone to bed,
just incase you were wondering if I was one that 'harmed' my kids.....(!!!)
I do agree with no smoking, completely

OP posts:
flutterbee · 26/07/2006 00:16

I think you are right about the withdrawl but only if you are a very very heavy smoker and have been doing so for at least a few months of the pg. A smoker can always go on the patches to help them stop which will cancel out any any cravings so it can't really be used as an excuse.

Bananaknickers · 26/07/2006 00:18

I find that advert chilling , the one with the young girl talking about her mum with cancer.I know its nothing to do with this but that alone would stop me from ever taking up smoking again because I would never want to put my children through that.

flutterbee · 26/07/2006 00:19

I really am going to bed now because if I hang around on this thread it wont be long before some idiot comes along spouting the "aren't I perfect line and then I am going to really loose my temper.

Night night.

Original poster
Lornatoo · 26/07/2006 00:20

cheers FB, thanks for your words

OP posts:
Bananaknickers · 26/07/2006 00:20

Night Flutterbee XX

FairyMum · 26/07/2006 00:21

Good night Flutterbee, but you don't have to think you are perfect just because you think smoking while pregnant is a pretty crap thing to do you know......

Bananaknickers · 26/07/2006 00:23

Lornatoo my post down there wasn't a pop at you by the way.It is my own personal reason for not wanting to smoke.My dad has C.O.D and has cancer and it is very close to my heart.I was a smoker for 10 years too

Original poster
Lornatoo · 26/07/2006 00:25

Cheers BK, I know, Didnt take it to heart.

But now we've thrashed it out. what do you reckon? Have words with her? Or not?
She knows, I know she knows.
Do I need to point it out?

OP posts:
Bananaknickers · 26/07/2006 00:32

I wouldn't t.b.h she already knows.If it were my friend I would be frustrated if she kept saying how worried she is.It is her problem I suppose. Why not say "what has your midwife said and did she mention maybe packing up smoking, because you have heard that is what they sometimes suggest". Maybe that way you are not preaching as such but just giving her something to think about without you confronting her.

Bananaknickers · 26/07/2006 00:33

how is ds1 by the way?

FairyMum · 26/07/2006 00:33

Why not suggest she cuts down? Smoke 1 or 2 a day?

Original poster
Lornatoo · 26/07/2006 00:35

LOL, thanks for asking...! DS is fast sleep, wee so & so!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Lornatoo · 26/07/2006 00:36

yes, I think, next time she brings up the subject I shall make a few 'suggestions' as you say.
I don't want to preach

OP posts:
Original poster
Lornatoo · 26/07/2006 00:41

Cheers for your help all. I
Its been fun on my 1st ever thread!

OP posts:
Bananaknickers · 26/07/2006 00:42

welcome by the way

NotQuiteCockney · 26/07/2006 07:18

Um, by the "nicotine withdrawal" argument, should a mum who's smoked throughout her pregnancy give a cigarette or two to the baby when it's born, to keep it from getting the nic fits?

1Baby1Bump · 26/07/2006 07:24

OOh this makes my blood boil!
I smoked for 7 years and the moment i did my pregnancy test i stopped. there and then. there was no question about continuing.
I have not restarted either.
if domeone smokes near me or ds i move away straight away.
(ex smokers are apparently the worst!)
a lady who lives near my mum smoked thru all 4 of her pregs and was asked into hospital last week, a month early, to be induced as they said the babe would fare better putside of the womb and was struggling to make centile!
This happened with the last three of her pregs.
Right I've had my rant.....
as you were....