Pregnancy and breastfeeding are special times in your life and your baby’s. In order to ensure your baby is as safe as possible, there is a clear recommendation:
Avoid tobacco and nicotine products during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
When we talk about tobacco and nicotine products, we mean:
- Cigarettes
- E-cigarettes
- Nicotine pouches
- Heated tobacco (heat-not-burn products).
Tobacco and nicotine products during pregnancy
Why are tobacco and nicotine products harmful?
All these products contain nicotine and other toxic substances. These toxins:
- reduce the amount of oxygen your baby receives
- damage to the placenta, which supplies your baby with nutrients
- increase the risk of other complications during pregnancy
Important: even occasional or infrequent use of tobacco and nicotine products can be harmful to your baby. Second-hand smoke is also a risk. If people around you are smoking, you breathe in the smoke – and second-hand smoke is harmful to your baby too.
What might happen to the baby?
Tobacco and nicotine products during pregnancy can lead to various problems:
- The baby may be born prematurely.
- It may be too light at birth.
- It may cause withdrawal symptoms.
- The lungs may not yet be fully developed.
- Sudden infant death syndrome may occur.
Long-term consequences for the child:
- The child may be more restless.
- It may be more prone to infections and allergies.
- It may have behavioural issues.
What you can do
If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant soon: do not use tobacco or nicotine products.
- Please ask others not to smoke near you.
- Stay in smoke-free areas.
Many people who regularly use tobacco and nicotine products show a dependency. Some people find it easy to quit. For other people, it’s more difficult. Do you find it difficult to give up tobacco or nicotine products? There are people and organisations that can help you quit: it’s easier with support than on your own!
Tobacco and nicotine products during breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding and using tobacco or nicotine products, the toxins will pass to your baby – for example:
- via breast milk,
- through the air,
- onto clothing, skin or furniture.
Possible consequences include:
- Your baby may sleep less well or be more restless.
- It might get a stomach ache.
- You may produce less breast milk.
- Breastfeeding can be more difficult.
- Your relationship with the baby may deteriorate.
It is best for you and your baby to avoid all tobacco and nicotine products whilst breastfeeding.
If you do decide to use them anyway:
- Do not use these in the home, in the car or in the immediate vicinity of the baby.
- Do not use tobacco or nicotine products for at least 1 hour before breastfeeding.
Please note: very young babies feed very frequently. It’s difficult to plan fixed breaks while breastfeeding.
Family, friends and colleagues can help:
It’s not just pregnant and breastfeeding women for whom this matters. Everyone around you – partners, family and friends – can help protect the baby from second-hand smoke both before and after birth. For example:
- do not use tobacco or nicotine products in the presence of pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Do not use tobacco or nicotine products near babies
- Only spend time with babies in smoke-free rooms
- Avoid tobacco and nicotine products even after giving birth
Do you have any questions or need help?
Are you using tobacco or nicotine products while pregnant or breastfeeding, and finding it difficult to give them up? Talk to a professional or a counselling service about this. For example, with:
- your doctor
- your midwife
- an obstetrician
- the “Smoke-Free Helpline”
It is important that these people are informed at an early stage. In doing so, you and your baby can get the support you need. Don’t hesitate to bring it up yourself, even if you aren’t asked about it.
You can get advice and information here:
ÖGK – Online lectures: Nicotine during pregnancy
Smoke-Free Helpline – 0800 810 013
You can find more information on tobacco and nicotine in these free leaflets:
A break for your baby – Information on alcohol and smoking for expectant mothers and parents
Pregnancy and substance use – Help and information for before and after the birth
Smoking is risky – A booklet in easy-to-read language
Information on nicotine pouches
Smoke-free for parents and children – During pregnancy and while breastfeeding
