Kick Butt for Baby

Rita Aman

Rita Aman, Alberta Health Services

Congratulations, there’s a baby on the way! You want to give your baby the very best start in life and are probably thinking about changes to improve your health and baby’s. Quitting smoking is a great way to start. The best time to quit is when you’re thinking of getting pregnant in the near future, but it’s never too late to quit. And no matter how long you may have smoked, quitting during pregnancy provides many benefits. The earlier you quit, the better it will be for you and baby.


When you quit smoking when you’re pregnant:

• You reduce the risk of complications like miscarriage and pre-term labour; 
• You reduce health risks to your baby, such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), asthma, ear infections and behavioural and learning problems; and 
• Your baby will have a better chance of being born at a healthy weight; babies that are underweight at birth have a higher risk for infections and other health problems. 

You may be quitting for your baby’s sake, but don’t forget about the many health benefits for you as well. You’ll feel better and have more energy to go through the pregnancy and provide care for your new baby. You can look forward to lower blood pressure and reduce labour and delivery risks. And becoming smoke-free will help you save money and decrease your risks of developing cancer and heart disease.

If your partner or family members smoke, ask for their support. Maybe they’ll be willing to quit smoking with you. Quitting can be easier if you support each other. If your loved ones aren’t ready to quit, they can still support you by smoking outside, away from you and your baby.

You don’t have to do this alone. There are many resources and people who can help you quit. Ask for support from your doctor or a health-care professional. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about what types of quit methods are best for you, especially if you’re considering using nicotine replacement therapies such as the nicotine patch, mist, gum or inhaler.

Be sure to check out www.albertaquits.ca. This site includes tips, strategies and information about upcoming group cessation programs available in Medicine Hat and throughout the province.

Quit Core is a free group cessation program that provides support for adults 18 and older. The program teaches quitting support techniques and connects you with others who are also quitting.

Kick Butt for Baby is a group cessation program designed specifically for pregnant and post-natal moms and is available in Brooks, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. For more information, call your local Community Health Services office.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby.

Rita Aman is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services.