What if I Vape in Pregnancy? Understanding the Risks to Mother and Baby

What if I Vape in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time when you’re likely to be thinking about many aspects of your health and the health of your baby. One question that has come to the forefront in recent years is whether vaping is a safe alternative to smoking during pregnancy. With e-cigarettes being marketed as a tool to quit smoking, some women may be under the impression that vaping is a safer option for both themselves and their unborn child. However, recent studies and expert recommendations highlight that vaping during pregnancy can be just as harmful, if not more so, than traditional smoking.

Vaping involves inhaling a vapour produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping devices. These devices heat a liquid (known as e-liquid or vape juice) that contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. The vapour is then inhaled, mimicking the act of smoking but without burning tobacco. In the UK, vaping has become increasingly popular as a smoking cessation tool, with many adults using it as a way to reduce or quit smoking altogether.

However, it’s important to understand that while vaping may help some people quit smoking, it is far from harmless. In fact, vaping during pregnancy is a significant health risk for both the expectant mother and her baby. The growing body of research on this subject has shown that using e-cigarettes while pregnant is associated with harmful outcomes for both mother and child.

The Link Between Vaping and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

A recent study by researchers from the University of Alberta in Canada, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, offers a comprehensive review of global research on vaping during pregnancy. The findings, based on 23 studies with over 924,000 participants, present clear evidence that vaping during pregnancy is linked to several harmful outcomes, both for mothers and their babies.

Increased Risk of Adverse Outcomes for Mothers The study found that vaping during pregnancy was associated with a 53% increase in the likelihood of adverse outcomes for mothers. These include complications such as decreased breastfeeding and reduced prenatal care, which are essential for the health of both the mother and the baby. Prenatal care includes regular check-ups, scans, and health advice that help ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery. When this care is compromised, it increases the risk of complications during childbirth and recovery.

Increased Risk for Babies The research also revealed that babies born to mothers who vaped during pregnancy had 53% higher odds of experiencing adverse outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and being smaller than expected for their gestational age. These conditions are concerning because they are linked to future health problems, such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and respiratory issues later in life.

The harm done by vaping is not limited to the physical size or weight of the baby. The chemicals inhaled through vaping—such as nicotine, heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and nickel, and harmful additives like diacetyl (an artificial flavouring agent)—pose serious risks to fetal development. According to Professor Paige Lacy, a researcher at the University of Alberta, these chemicals can interfere with vital processes like cell division. The fetus, being far more sensitive than adults to these environmental chemicals, may suffer long-term developmental and health issues as a result of exposure to these harmful substances.

Why Is Vaping During Pregnancy Particularly Dangerous?

The chemicals present in e-cigarettes are teratogenic, meaning that while they may be tolerated by adults, they can be harmful or even deadly to a developing fetus. The fetus is particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins because its organs and systems are still developing, making it less equipped to handle these chemicals.

Nicotine, the addictive substance in most e-cigarettes, can cross the placenta and reach the developing baby. Nicotine has been linked to various pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight. It can also affect brain development and has been associated with cognitive and behavioural issues in children later in life.

Moreover, some e-liquids contain additional harmful substances, including heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and nickel, which are found in the coils of e-cigarette devices. These heavy metals can be inhaled into the lungs and have detrimental effects on both the mother and the baby’s health. Diacetyl, another potentially harmful substance, is known to cause lung injury, specifically a condition called “popcorn lung”, which results in scarring of the airways and difficulty breathing.

How Vaping Affects Prenatal Care and Antenatal Health

Expectant mothers rely on regular antenatal care to monitor their health and the well-being of their baby throughout pregnancy. Antenatal checkups, including regular visits to the antenatal clinic, are essential for detecting and addressing any issues early on. These checkups often include antenatal scans, which help to track the growth and development of the baby, as well as tests to assess the mother’s health, such as blood pressure monitoring and glucose testing.

When mothers vape during pregnancy, they may not only face increased health risks themselves but could also undermine the quality of their antenatal appointments. For example, reduced prenatal care due to vaping-related complications may delay the detection of issues like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, both of which can harm the mother and the baby.

Additionally, vaping during pregnancy can also impact breastfeeding. The University of Alberta study found that mothers who vaped during pregnancy were more likely to face challenges with breastfeeding. This can result in poor infant nutrition and an increased risk of infections and other health problems.

The Role of Antenatal Support in Pregnancy

A key aspect of antenatal care is the support that healthcare professionals provide to expectant mothers. This support goes beyond just medical checkups; it includes providing antenatal education about the risks of smoking and vaping during pregnancy, as well as advice on how to quit. Antenatal classes and pregnancy yoga classes offer expectant parents the opportunity to learn about healthy practices that promote a safe pregnancy.

For women who are currently smoking or vaping, antenatal support is crucial in helping them transition to a healthier lifestyle. Healthcare providers can help by offering practical advice on quitting smoking and stress management techniques such as prenatal massage or yoga during pregnancy. These services can help reduce the anxiety that often accompanies pregnancy and may even reduce the urge to vape or smoke.

What Should You Do if You Vape During Pregnancy?

If you are currently vaping and pregnant, the most important thing to do is seek support. Stop vaping immediately, as there is no safe level of nicotine or toxic chemicals during pregnancy. Speak with your healthcare provider about strategies to quit, including alternative methods such as nicotine replacement therapy or counselling.

It’s also essential to attend all of your antenatal appointments. Regular visits to your antenatal clinic will help ensure that both you and your baby are monitored for any potential complications. Additionally, antenatal scans can help detect any issues early on, so you can take the necessary steps to address them.

The Importance of Antenatal Care and Quitting Vaping

Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking during pregnancy. The risks associated with vaping during pregnancy are substantial, affecting both the mother and her baby. As a pregnant woman, it’s crucial to prioritise your antenatal care and avoid harmful substances like nicotine and the chemicals found in e-cigarettes. By attending regular antenatal appointments, participating in antenatal education, and seeking help to quit smoking or vaping, you are making an important step in ensuring the health of both yourself and your baby.

Remember, there are no shortcuts when it comes to the health of your baby, and the risks of vaping simply outweigh any potential benefits. Seek support from healthcare professionals, make informed choices, and invest in your baby’s future health through healthy pregnancy care.