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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:
yorkshirelass79 · 27/07/2006 11:32

Message withdrawn

MarmaladeSun · 27/07/2006 11:34

Southeaseastra...depending on where you are and how far you want to travel. I have, though, had clients from near and far,...the furthest being from West Africa who flew in for the session. If yiu are not in my area I can recommend someone who can help you.

Iklboo · 27/07/2006 11:34

"Haven't read all of the posts, but have to add my professional opinion. People are NOT addicted to smoking, or nicotine. If it were addictive why are babies born to smoking mothers not born addicts in the way a crack or heroin addict gives birth to an addict baby? Why, if it's addictive, do people not increase their 'fix' steadily over time...most people smoke the same amount over many years."

Since having DS, we've spoken to other mothers etc - babies of smoking mothers in our circle were generally crankier & cried more in the first few weeks after their birth than non-smoking mothers. This may be a huge coincidence, it may not be. No full research has been done.

Why do people not increase their 'fix'? My parents didn't start off smoking 30+ fags a day. Neither did DH (now quit smoking). They say that from one or two a day being 'enough', they found that they started needing to smoke more in order to feel 'the same'.

I've never smoked, so I can't say either way whether it's physically or psychologically addictive - and (some) smokers cannot quantify their habit logically (I enjoy it, it's too hard to give up, I'll get fat etc).

I just don't like seeing pregnant women smoking is all. Sorry - but that's just me.

MarmaladeSun · 27/07/2006 11:35

Yorkshirelass...I have already answered that one. Yes, I did smoke for many years.

Squarer · 27/07/2006 11:35

I think you are right in saying it is the psychological aspects of smoking which need addressing MarmaladeSun. In my opinion, that does not necessarily equate to nicotine not being addictive though - it means that the smoker is equipped with full battle gear to stop smoking - the addiction cravings can be overcome as the smoker is psychologically prepared.

Tutter · 27/07/2006 11:35

oh come on MS, are you saying you haven't come across doubters in RL?

if you think these are rude posts... stick around on MN, you ain't seen nothing yet

southeastastra · 27/07/2006 11:36

can you post a link?

mimitwo · 27/07/2006 11:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

MarmaladeSun · 27/07/2006 11:37

IKLboo...I take your point, but if, as addicts do, a smoker was addicted and increased their fix even gradually they would end up smoking many more than 20,30,40 a day...maybe they smoke what they can afford? But how many heroin addicts smoke what they can afford and no more? Not many..they beg, steal and borrow to feed their addiction. I've never met a smoker who does that.

MarmaladeSun · 27/07/2006 11:39

mimitwo...it seems to be the only language some people understand.

MarmaladeSun · 27/07/2006 11:40

Tutter..of course I have come across doubters in real life...lots of them and I gain great satisfaction from changing their mindset. But I have rarely come across someone who, without even listening, labels what i say as bullshit. Maybe I was just better brought up?

kittylette · 27/07/2006 11:40

my aunt is 28 weeks pg, shes tried for 9 years for a baby, and has concieved her child through IVF -

a much wanted baby it seems?

yet she continues to smoke daily id say 10-15 cigs

AND at my sisters 18th was on the bevvies too!

a few bacardis & then shandys

i didnt say anything as shes my aunt, ive ive been brought up to respect her but if it were my mate id definatly say something!

Northerner · 27/07/2006 11:45

Yes mimi, being called a stupid stupid woman is rather insulting, you are right.

But I'm thick skinned enough to get wound up by some person who I've never met simply because I challenge her opinion.

Comparing heroin addicts to nicotine addicts doesn't work really. Heroin/cocaine has a much higher street value than cigarettes which in turn leads to those addicts stealing/being in debt etc. Fags are a fiver a pack and readily available to the masses.

I'll climb back in my box now though shall I?

Iklboo · 27/07/2006 11:46

I agree that smokers don't steal etc - but I know many that "rob peter to pay paul" so they can afford cigarettes.
Perhaps it depends on the person - some people have addictive personalities. They can become, or believe they are, addicted to many substances (coffee, alcohol, nicotine).
It may explain why my mother lights up moments after walking through a no smoking arcade (a journey of perhaps 5 minutes) ven if she's just put one out as she entered the arcade. Being told she CAN'T smoke is a bigger incentive for her (perceived) addiction? (Does that make any sense?)

Callisto · 27/07/2006 11:46

OMG Kitty - that is quite shocking.

Northerner · 27/07/2006 11:46

not to get wound up enough.

MarmaladeSun · 27/07/2006 11:50

Northener...more insulting than being told you talk bullshit? What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

Squarer · 27/07/2006 11:50

People who are addicted to fags go to reasonable lengths to get cigarettes. As you have pointed out Northerner, cigarettes are reasonably priced so you don't have to turn to burglary or mugging to get a fix. However, I have been known to scour my ashtrays for nub-ends in the morning and break open the copper jar - I could deal with the shame of £4.21 in 2 pence pieces as I was getting some fags!
I can't believe I'm fessing up on the nub end thing

yorkshirelass79 · 27/07/2006 11:53

Message withdrawn

southeastastra · 27/07/2006 11:54

blimey the op only asked for some advice, not to hear all your opinions on how awful smokers are

MarmaladeSun · 27/07/2006 11:55

Ok...I started off trying to help, but I have the satisfaction of knowing I am right, whilst some of you are content to act like sheep and just go along with popular opinion. You have my absolute pity. Apologies to those of you who would have liked to have heard my reasoning and were prepared to suspend their own beliefs before making snap judgements...but I'm bored with this now.

Callisto · 27/07/2006 11:55

Sorry guys, but actually a fix of heroin is cheaper than a four-pack of beer so the stealing arguement doesn't come into it really.

Iklboo · 27/07/2006 11:56

And an old lady in front of me in the queue in shop had spent 10 minutes telling the girl at the till how she couldn't afford to put her heating on or buy herself nice food - then bought 400 cigs & £20 of lottery tickets saying "they're my only pleasure"

southeastastra · 27/07/2006 11:58

MarmaladeSun i'm still interested in your methods, but understand if you don't want to go into them here.

Iklboo · 27/07/2006 11:58

Ok...I started off trying to help, but I have the satisfaction of knowing I am right

So, you've gone from having an opinion to being 'right'. That is a little provocative. On your own head be it (runs away before someone tells cod about this)