RheumPreg Clinic · Patient guide

Quitting smoking in pregnancy

Stopping smoking is one of the most effective things you can do for your pregnancy, and it matters even more alongside a rheumatic condition. Pregnancy-specific support makes it easier, and it is never too late in pregnancy to benefit.

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Why it matters

Smoking in pregnancy raises the risk of miscarriage, poor fetal growth, preterm birth, and stillbirth, and these add to the risks a rheumatic disease can already carry. Quitting at any stage improves your baby's growth and your own health, and lowers the cardiovascular risk that inflammatory disease raises.

What helps in pregnancy

  • Behavioural support comes first. Counselling and pregnancy-specific programs such as PREGNETS are effective and are the recommended starting point.
  • Nicotine replacement therapy may be considered in pregnancy when quitting without it is not working; it is used under your team's guidance, weighed against the harm of continued smoking.
  • Prescription quit medicines such as varenicline and bupropion are generally not used in pregnancy; your team will advise on the safest plan for you.
  • Second-hand smoke matters too, and quitting is easier when the household stops together.

Talk to your team

Your rheumatology, obstetric, and family-medicine teams can help you stop safely and connect you with pregnancy-specific support. Raise it early, help is available and it works.

Helpful resources

Links open in a new tab and point to trusted Canadian quit-smoking services. General guidance only; advice from your own team comes first.

Back to the RheumPreg ClinicTalk to your team about quitting