SMOKING IN PREGNANCY

[Kezza7779]

Of course i am going to be like a lamb to the slaughter writing this - its embarrassing and i am deeply ashamed of myself.

I have smoked for 17 years, heavily (30 a day). on finding out i was pregnant i immediately booked in to see the NHS smoking nurse determined to quit for my baby.
However, being such a heavy smoker the pathetically low nicotene patches u are allowed whilst pregnant didnt touch me, i have tried the inhalator and gum all to no avail. instead in the last 3 weeks i have cut down to around 10 and am working on reducing this much more over the next few weeks. My Carbon monoxide levels on testing weekly with the nurse have over halved.
I m particularly stressed as the moment as i had a previous MC 2 yrs ago at 9 weeks, i am now 8.4 and hellishly nervous / apprehensive. the nurse advised me that if i was really struggling and stressing out about it, that its best to have a smoke than work myself up to the point i stress the baby out or even worse cause a miscarriage.

I dont realy expect many people (SMOKERS) will admit on here that they are or have smoked in pregnancy but i just wanted to discuss it, especially with smokers / ex smokers (understanding of the terrible addiction) unlike non smokers like my DH!!!!

I am an ex smoker now, last ciggy was 2 years ago. I did previously give up for 7 years and for some bizzare reason started again.
I found positive thinking a real help. dont say your giving up entirely, say your not having one TODAY, and then once you get through that day you can say i survived, perhaps i will try again tomorrow.I found setting small goals i knew were within my reach that i could do it.
I had a huge poster on my wall ( self made) saying I DO NOT NEED A CIGARETTE. for me it helped to shout it out loud when i was feeling like giving in.
Think of the positives, better breath and clothes that still smell clean on day 2.And the extra money to treat yourself with
now of course i am a chocoholic and have wasted heaps of money on clothes i do not need, each time saying ,well i did stop smoking lol. But that will be a new addiction to deal with in the future i am sure .
Give your selves a huge hug, your doing great even if you just go one day without puffing on a stick.