Smoking and Pregnancy

Why does smoking increase the risk of (SUDI)?

Smoking while pregnant delivers toxic chemicals to baby, depriving baby of oxygen to grow healthy and strong. Babies exposed to smoking have weakened breathing systems  making it easier for them to suffocate. Due to lack of oxygen babies can be born with a low birth weight and develop respiratory illness. These are just a few of the many health issues related to maternal smoking that increases the risk of SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy).

I can’t quit smoking on my own, where do I go for help?

Inform your Lead Maternity Carer or GP service that you would like to quit smoking and would like to be referred to a Smoking Cessation service.

Doctors now prescribe subsidized NRT and some Health Clinics also offer quit support. Contact your local health clinic for more information. In many cases support is free - always check before booking appointments.

Smoking Cessation providers will provide specialised support and NRT resources such as patches, gum and lozenges.

National Smoking Cessation Providers you can contact:

Aukati KaiPaipa –Maori Smoking Cessation programme
Individualised Smoking Cessation support.
Cost: Free to access Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Smoking Cessation Support
Check website for providers nationwide: www.aukatikaipaipa.co.nz

Quit Line 0800-778-778
Cost: Low Cost to access Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) www.quit.org.nz

If I am pregnant can I use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

Yes you can, the Smoking Cessation guidelines recommends pregnant women use only intermitted NRT such as gum, lozenges sublingual tablets and inhalers. These products should be used in preference to patches as they deliver a lower total daily nicotine dose than patches.