Pregnancy & Birth

Why is it Crucial to Stop Smoking During Pregnancy When You Have Gestational Diabetes?

Author by Raazi
Reviewed By Raazi
Last Edited : January 1, 1970

Gestational diabetes is a health condition that can have serious consequences for both the mother and baby. Smoking during pregnancy is a well-known risk factor for gestational diabetes, and it can worsen the condition.

Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it is crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help women quit smoking and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

In this article, we will discuss the effects of smoking on gestational diabetes, the benefits of quitting smoking, and the positive lifestyle changes that can lead to better delivery outcomes.

Smoking during pregnancy can alter the baby’s DNA, predisposing them to metabolic disorders later in life.
Quitting smoking improves placental health, allowing better nutrient transfer crucial for managing gestational diabetes.
Smoking affects the thyroid gland, potentially worsening hormonal imbalances that complicate gestational diabetes.
Tobacco chemicals can interfere with the production of key hormones needed for healthy fetal development in diabetic pregnancies.
Quitting smoking increases the effectiveness of gestational diabetes treatments, like dietary changes and insulin therapy.
Maternal smoking can delay fetal lung development, which is already at risk in gestational diabetes cases.

Smoking as Stress Reduction Therapy

Maternal smoking and gestational diabetes are closely associated. Most women believe that smoking is a stress-reduction strategy. Yet it isn’t. Smoking increases stress, as it might cause your heart rate to go up, and its consumption makes you feel nervous. When you get addicted to smoking, you experience withdrawal symptoms only in an hour.

After that, you anxiously await the next cigarette, which is stressful. And this frequently occurs, which makes the condition worse.

Positive Impacts of Quitting Smoking on Postpartum Health

If you expect healthy childbirth, quit smoking immediately. If you do so, you can get many benefits and prevent much harm. Such as;

Miscarriage
Premature birth
Sudden infant death syndrome on account of premature birth and poor conception

Besides these, you can save your child from the risks of hearing problems and ear infections after birth. You can save your child from major respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

So, don’t let this discourage you if you have previously attempted to quit smoking and then restarted it.

The majority of people fail multiple times before finally giving up. From your previous attempt at quitting, you gain some knowledge that appears to be useful this time.

Overcoming Relapse: Coping with Triggers and Staying Motivated to Quit Smoking

Giving up smoking proves very difficult for most users. Most people even need help this way. A properly designed quit plan can help them leave smoking easily.

This quit plan for smokers might cover these points;

Note down major reasons for quitting. Keep this paper with you and read it every time you need to remind yourself about the reasons to quit.
Establish a regular schedule for implementation, such as the following two or three weeks on your calendar.
Decide on prizes or gifts for yourself as a thank-you for giving up.
Let your friends and family know you’re finally quitting this habit. Try to rely on them for moral support.
When you intend to quit, avoid smoking in those places where you routinely smoke.
Contact your general physician and healthcare professional about using nicotine chew, inhalers, or tablets.
Ponder about the times you normally used to smoke, and find the ways to get out of them.

You can control your stress levels without smoking

Some people believe that smoking is the only way to cope with the stress of daily life. The same applies to pregnant women who turn to smoking as a relief. Here are some helpful techniques that you can be utilized to manage your stress even without smoking.

Take a few mild and deep breaths whenever you feel irritated or upset.
Take a workout. You can relax and get your thoughts fresh by simply walking.
Discuss your concerns or what stresses you out with other people. Sharing is the best way to minimize stress.
Give yourself a break and engage in enjoyable activities.
Staying active can aid in distracting you from your stressful routine. Please spend time with non-smoker friends; you won’t want them to see you smoking.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine, a chemical found in tobacco, may have become an addiction for you. Within a couple of weeks after quitting smoking, you could experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some signs that occur because of quitting include the following;

Coughing
Inadequate attention
Depression and hopelessness
Feeling irritable
Higher appetite

Quitting is not easy, so nicotine replacement therapy is designed for those individuals who feel it is very hard to quit. This therapy overcomes these symptoms. You can effectively manage both the cravings and these symptoms by using nicotine lozenges, inhalers, or chewing gum.

The nicotine and chemicals content is significantly lower in these items than in cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapy must be continued for at least eight weeks.

Though smoking and gestational diabetes is deemed unsafe and dangerous, you can shift it to the safe side simply by doing a few things.

Follow nicotine replacement therapy recommendations, eat healthily, and exercise regularly. Learn more about the safe ways by speaking with your midwife or health care provider.

Takeaway

Smoking during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes, and it can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. However, quitting it can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and improve delivery outcomes.

Positive lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest, can improve outcomes.

By quitting smoking and adopting a healthy lifestyle, women can give themselves and their babies the best chance for a healthy pregnancy and a successful delivery.