Discovery Home & Health

I know I'll probably be lynched for this but any tips for giving up??? Did anyone used to smoke but gave up whilst TTC? I used to smoke about 15 a day and gradually cut down to only being a social smoker (when I'm out at the pub so maybe about 20-30 a month) and even though I want to TTC and I'm trying to think of when and if I get pg, I'm still finding it difficult to give up those social ciggies. DH is not impressed (even though he smokes!) and of course I want to think of the health of my baby although part of me is thinking 'well, i'm not pg yet so I can carry on until I am pg' but I know this isn't the right way to go about it.

Any tips or advice to kick this horrid habit?

Hi Stacey,

Like you I cut down to 'social smoking' when I was TTC, after 9 months I became prgnant and from the moment I knew, something just clicked and I haven't smoked since. Now the summer is coming I know there will be times when I fancy a cold, crisp glass of white wine and a ciggie sitting in a beer garden but I know I won't succumb. Sorry I don't have any tips to give up whilst TTC but just wanted you to know that it is much easier whwn you are actually pregnant.

Ruby T xx
22 + 2

The biggest thing for me, which I wished someone had told me before was that you can't use any nicotine substitute once you are pregnant.

I kept putting quitting off and once I became pregnant decided to quite with gum or patches. My Doc would not support me on this though, as nicotine is still getting to the baby, and the first 3 months are highest risk of miscarriage if you are smoking. i had to go cold turkey in the end which was very hard indeed, so if you need a crutch do it now before you get your BFP.

In the end I read a fantastic book by Allen Carr, 'Easyway to stop smoking' I keep seeing this now in Tescos half price. It basically unbrainwashes you, i.e there is nothing to enjoy about smoking.

Good luck with TTC and with quitting

Oh you'll love me far telling you this.......(not)

In that book, it says that the social ones are the hardest to quit. It's easier to quit 20 a day because you hate them all, but when you only smoke the ones you enjoy, then you treasure those the most. That's another mistake I made, I went down to one a day, and I found that really hard to give up. It's easier to justify smoking a few.

Like Ruby says though, you might just want to stop when you become pregnant and it might be really easy for you. We're all different!!

Rachel 34+1

Thank you very much both of you. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who went through this! I'll definitely check out the Allen Carr book as I've heard some of his books are fantastic.

xx

oooh... we x posted....I agree - I really look forward to those few that I have when I'm out drinking. As soon as i know I'm going out for a drink I feel a little excited because I know I'l be 'allowed' to have a ciggie.

Also rememember that if you are TTC your DH should give up too. If he smokes it reduces his fertility and your chance of getting pg. Besides, it would help you give up loads if he didn't smoke.

when we were TTC I made my DH give up. (i've never been a smoker) but if you do have kids they will apreciate a healthy set of parents! good luck

cris 24+2. July thread

Hi Stacey,
Did you know it makes a difference to a successful conception if you and your DH give up smoking. Try the patches when socialising or just take some gum everywhere you, nictoine or normal gum, it helped me give up, though the last few days I've had a couple as a bit stressed at the mo.
Jules

Hi, I used to smoke socially and concieved last year before I'd even considered giving up. Unfortunately I lost that baby very early on and although there could have been a number of different reasons for it, after that I figured I could give up the smoking more easily than having to go through that experience again. If you tell yourself you would never harm your baby when it comes out, why would you do it beforehand? To stop smoking at least 3 months before trying to conceive, gives your body the chance to produce really healthy eggs which is the best start for any baby. I gave up 4 months before I conceived again and this time I am now 23 weeks pregnant and I'm not missing the smoking at all.

I hope you manage it as it really is best for you and the baby!

By the way, my DH gave up at the same time which really really helped and showed me he wanted this just as much as me.

C x
23 wks

Hi Stacy, like Carla I was a social smoker, and I'm talking the very occasional cigarette no more than 5 a week at the worst. It took me 22 months to conceive and I too had 2 m/c. I actually gave up everything including alcohol before the 2nd m/c in October 2005 but I believe it was the key as within weeks of the 2nd m/c I'd conceived again and I'm now almost 21 weeks pregnant.

Good luck with it, it is worth it []

Kate
20+5

PS I also stopped my DH from smoking in the house.

Hi My next door neighbour had hypnosis to stop her smoking, and it worked, so maybe give that a try?

Thank you guys for your advice. I haven't had a cigarette since last Wed and will not be having anymore. I haven't had a drink since 10 days ago either and will give that up quite easily as I'm not a big drinker (empty calories if you ask me!!). But thank you for all your help. DH has cut down but I'm still trying to get him to stop. I told him it wasn't fair for me to stop and not him. We'll see if that works.

Good luck Stacey.

I gave up six months before trying (not because of trying, just because I wanted to give up). It was tough but Allen Carr rocks and I was so glad I gave up before falling pregnant - seen too many friends have the excitement of being pregnant damaged by the craving for a ciggarette!

Good luck. Seriously - read Allen Carr!

Jo x