[jkaee]

Ok, like the title states, I don't need lectures or statistics, just an answer to my question. I know the majority of you guys will do this, but there are always some out there.....

As some of you may know, I'm about 10 weeks pregnant now. I'm a smoker (boo hiss) and I DESPERATELY want to quit. I was able to pretty much quit with my other pregnancies, but I just can't seem to this time. I am sick of smoking, sick of all of it, sick of going outside in the rain and cold, and just sick of being so darn dependent on it. I am ready to quit, but I just can't deal with the cravings. It's terrible to see what nicotine has done to me!

My question is this, and of course I plan on asking my NP, but I'd like to hear from everyone. Is it safe to use the nicotine gum/lozenges while pregnant? My reasoning is that that would be better than the tar and carbon monoxide thats in cigs, but I really feel that I could do it this time if I could just get help with the cravings. Has anyone heard of any studies or situations where nicotine replacement systems were used during pregnancy? Have you had any pts that used them?

Now, PLEASE, don't anyone tell me to "just quit". It's SO not that easy, and I wish it was. This is a true physical addiction for me, and I think I have a handle on the pyschological part of it, I just need help with the physical symptoms of withdrawl.

Thanks everyone in advance for their support and advice!

[gwenith]

You would be better talking to the NP about this. Has anyone told you that the craving - real gotta have one NOW cravings only last 5 minutes and you know you are stronger than 5 minutes

hope you succeed

[Gompers]

While quitting smoking and switching to nicotine replacements might protect you from the tar and carbon monoxide, the nicotine is still going to harm the baby. According to my drug book, the gum is pregnancy category X and the patch is category D, so I'd stick with the patch. NEITHER is a good idea during pregnancy, but smoking isn't any better. If you really don't think you can stop cold turkey, and it's a choice between continuation of the habit or using the patch, I'd go for the patch. Realize that by using it or by smoking, you're increasing the risks of miscarriage, low birthweight, etc. If you do choose try these replacements, you have to know that they're totally contraindicated in pregnancy, so if possible try to quit without it because you never know what is going to happen. There may be other things besides nicotine in these medications that can cause fetal defects. Please don't take this post as me recommending you take these meds - I'm saying that smoking and taking them both have the potential to cause problems or even loss of the pregnancy, but you do need to quit.

The only people I've known who've quit smoking cold turkey and stayed "clean" afterwards are those who got hypnotized - I'm totally serious. Maybe you can check that out? TOTALLY safe for baby!

[purplemania]

No advice here, just wanted to let you know I am proud that you are seeking a solution to a problem that affects you and others so much. I hope you and baby are doing fine.

[susanna]

Originally Posted by Gompers

The only people I've known who've quit smoking cold turkey and stayed "clean" afterwards are those who got hypnotized - I'm totally serious. Maybe you can check that out? TOTALLY safe for baby!

Sorry that I can't answer your question about the nicotine/lozenges but I was going to recommend something to this sort too. Hypnotism can do great things with helping someone combat the physical and psychological symptomes of drug withdrawl. I'm not a medical school personel but from what I've seen, I'd recommend it as the fastest/safest/easiest way for you and your body, regardless whether if you were pregnant or not.

[Cherish]

I am glad that you are trying to get help for your situation. I honestly think you should talk with your NP/MD regarding this situation because they would have more knowledge in this area. If you are wanting to quit, I do understand it is hard to quit cold turkey (you can add stress to the baby also by doing this-anyone who has quit cold turkey can understand that). If you are wanting to quit within a few weeks, then stopping the use of ciggs and using the patch is much safer then continuing the use of smoking. Also, like other posters have suggested hypnosis also helps people, I personally never used one when I quit, I used the patch for about 4-5 weeks and I was done with it. A couple of my friends, including 1 who was pregnant, used a hypnotist and they quit within 1-2 weeks, I never met someone who quit the first session of going to see a hypnotist, but usually you slow down. Good luck and hope that you and your baby will do fine

[hypnotic_nurse]

I've been using hypnosis for smoking cessation for a year now with friends and family (have finally started charging for it now that I feel confident in my abilitiesl).

Your hypnotherapist should give you a tape to reinforce the suggestions. It is noninvasive and you will remember EVERYTHING during your session. It takes about an hour of your time, and will cost you between $50 and $100. Most hypnotherapists will do a second session for reinforcement at no charge.

Everyone who is willing to be hypnotized can be hypnotized, with the exception of people who have a lot of internal stimuli (think people with schizophrenia who are actively hearing voices). There are a couple of different ways to go about it for people who are less suggestible, all of which are noninvasive.

I've helped 6 people harness their own willpower to quit smoking. 5 of them are more than 4 months without a cigarette (1 is almost a year out now); one relapsed when she got into a custody battle with her ex (we're planning another session when things are settled one way or another). And none of them have gained weight, either.

It may sound expensive, but cigarettes cost much more.

[ayndim]

Originally Posted by jkaee

Ok, like the title states, I don't need lectures or statistics, just an answer to my question. I know the majority of you guys will do this, but there are always some out there.....

As some of you may know, I'm about 10 weeks pregnant now. I'm a smoker (boo hiss) and I DESPERATELY want to quit. I was able to pretty much quit with my other pregnancies, but I just can't seem to this time. I am sick of smoking, sick of all of it, sick of going outside in the rain and cold, and just sick of being so darn dependent on it. I am ready to quit, but I just can't deal with the cravings. It's terrible to see what nicotine has done to me!

My question is this, and of course I plan on asking my NP, but I'd like to hear from everyone. Is it safe to use the nicotine gum/lozenges while pregnant? My reasoning is that that would be better than the tar and carbon monoxide thats in cigs, but I really feel that I could do it this time if I could just get help with the cravings. Has anyone heard of any studies or situations where nicotine replacement systems were used during pregnancy? Have you had any pts that used them?

Now, PLEASE, don't anyone tell me to "just quit". It's SO not that easy, and I wish it was. This is a true physical addiction for me, and I think I have a handle on the pyschological part of it, I just need help with the physical symptoms of withdrawl.

Thanks everyone in advance for their support and advice!

Sorry no advice for you as I am not a smoker but I know they say the addiction is hard to break. Just wanted to send some good luck vibes to you. You can do it.

[elkpark]

my sister smoked heavily for years, tried everything to quit without success. Went to an acupuncturist, quit smoking after a few sessions, was successful in staying quit even though her husband (at the time) continued to smoke ...

[ang75]

Sorry, no info about lozenges or patches. But I do have a few things to say...
First off, congrats on being brave enough to post this thread. I know a lot of smokers who choose to be closet smokers because of the criticism. Well done!
Second, there are some anti-depressants that are pg safe. NOT saying that you are depressed. They do help with smoking cessation, this is another option for you.
As mentioned above, your NP can help the most. But you did the right thing by getting some ideas together before your appt.
Good luck!