Need to give up smoking, any help??

[MadameJ]

I am a few weeks pregnant and have being trying really hard to stop smoking but have to admit I am really struggling . Has anyone got any ideas of what I can use/try as I really am desperate to stop!!

I feel so stupid as I know the risks etc but for some reason I am finding certain cigarettes impossible to stop, although I have cut down massively I really really want to stop completely. Thanks x

Can't offer any help how to give up other than big well done for wanting and trying to do it. My vice is wine, I miss wine

I am sure someone with more experience of this will come along in a minute but didn't wanna leave you hanging...I am sure that if you see your midwife or GP asap and ask for help, there will be loads of support available through the NHS. I am pretty sure they have specialist stop-smoking midwives and things like that who can provide you with practical support.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and all the best for giving up :-)

Thanks ladies, I am due to see the mw soon so will try and pluck up the courage to ask her x

If you go to your GP you will get every available assistance known to humankind! Have you read The EasyWay To Give Up Smoking by Allen Carr? It is well worth a read.

Please do pluck up the courage. She will not judge you, she will do everything she can to help you.

Thanks, I will have a look at that book.

Mention it to the midwife. Here they send someone round every week to check your carbon monoxide levels, see how you're doing, and bribe you with Johnson's baby products. Handy that you're pregnant - if you're not you have to go to them, and no free stuff. They can prescribe lozenges or gum (they're reluctant to prescribe patches when you're pregnant). Gum I haven't tried. Lozenges are okay though they burn the tongue a little, I find. If you have trouble with missing the physical rituals associated with smoking, I'd definitely recommend investing in an electronic cigarette - they come with a USB charger and work out a third of the price of normal cigs, so even if you didn't need to quit they're worth a go.

It's also worth working out what prompts you to smoke and avoiding those situations for a while. So if you're used to having a smoke and a drink, you're likely to still want a smoke even if you're on the lemonade, so avoid the pub, that sort of thing. Avoiding friends who smoke, or seeing them in places where you can't smoke, is also a good idea.

Well done for cutting down, it's an awesomely good start. And try not to beat yourself up for not having quit completely. Good luck!

Many thanks stormy, some really good advice there. I like the idea of the electric cig so I will look into them!

I gave up smoking 15+ years ago. I tried many times and failed before my successful attempt. The most useful piece of advice I got on my final attempt (and for me the key to my success) was to keep reminding yourself that nicotene cravings gets worse and worse for 3 - 4 days and then you've beaten them. That's all you have survive to beat the physical addiction, 3-4 days. For me, I woke up on the 4th day (having cried myself to sleep the night before in desperation) and I haven't wanted a cigarette since. Any difficulties after this time are down to habit not addiction.

3-4 days, you can do it.

MadameJ, why not come over to this thread.

Theres a few of us kicking the habit over there for daily support.

I found when I got pregnant that the smell of smoke was ridiculously overwhelming for me, even though I was a 10-20 a day smoker! As soon as I had my booking appt with midwife I gave up as it made me feel sick all the time and I felt bad on baby.
My partner did/still smokes and I've banned him from smoking around me or in the car, but he's gone one step further, binned the fags and bought an electronic one... Newsagents and garages have them. Called e-lites.. Once you have the charger and the longer part of the "cigarette" you can get the plastic filters to screw each part together, 80 for £8 I think! So it's a bargain! My partner hasn't looked back... Well I hope not lol! But seriously bin the fags, I did and I'm glad I did, my blood pressure went from high and dropped dramatically and is normal again as well as having a very bouncy 12 week baby inside who's very healthy!
Congratulations and you can do it :) x

I gave up 9 yrs ago and found normal chewing gum quite a good replacement for the habit. also took to carrying a book with me to read at the bus stop etc when i would otherwise have had a cig. congrats on your pregnancy and good luck x

Every time you put a fag in your mouth, picture yourself putting a fag in your baby's mouth and lighting it.

I've got no real advice but just wanted to say good luck.

Remember every cigarette you don't smoke is a bonus. So celebrate every time you resist temptation to smoke.

Thanks everybody, im going to give it a real good go tomorrow and then speak to the midwife for some possible support. Thanks again, I was half expecting a flaming!!!

I wrote a thread on here a while back due to smoking.

I wouldnt go cold turkey i did from 50g a week to nothing. So far i havent smoke since i did the thread. I cant bring myself to do it. If you are really stressed and pissed off just smoke, you will get even more worked up not smoking.

I did smoke up until i was 10w pregnant, i didnt know i was at the time.

I will say this though not to scare you but you have more chance of misscarrage if you smoke now.

When i did smoke a few weeks ago, i felt less movement due to the smoking.

Roll ups are much better than fags, i did have 1 fag about 2 weeks ago i went to a pub and it was more of social thing. I didnt even think at the time until my DS kicked i thought 'oh shit' im pregnant.

Good luck, message me if you need support! Im 33w pregnant too.