What Happens If You're Vaping While Pregnant?

When it comes to pregnancy, there's a lot to consider – from building out the nursery to essentials you’ll need in your hospital bag. But one thing that might not have crossed your mind is the impact of vaping while pregnant.

While vapes have a highly questionable reputation as so-called safer alternatives to cigarettes, that doesn’t mean they are harmless to use during pregnancy.  Let's dive into what really happens when you mix vaping and pregnancy, and why it's essential to put that e-cigarette down for your little one's sake.

The Science Behind Vaping

Vaping, the modern cousin of traditional smoking, has been quickly growing in popularity. It involves inhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. This aerosol usually contains nicotine, which is highly addictive, along with other chemicals that can be harmful to anyone’s health, whether they are pregnant or not.

General Health Risks of Vaping

First things first: despite what you may have heard, vaping is not a harmless practice. Even if you're not pregnant, vaping comes with its own set of health risks. These can include, but may not be limited to:

1. Lung Problems: Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol, commonly called vapor, which can contain harmful substances such as ultrafine particles, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. These substances can irritate the lungs and potentially lead to inflammation, lung damage, or even respiratory diseases.
2. Heart Issues: Vaping isn't just about the lungs – it can affect the heart too. True, there may not be any irritating smoke involved. But as a key ingredient in many vaping products, nicotine has its own dangers. For one thing, it can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this strain on the cardiovascular system can contribute to heart problems and increase the risk of heart disease.
3. Respiratory Infections: Vaping compromises the natural defense mechanisms of the respiratory system. This can make users more susceptible to infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. The heating process in vaping devices can also create an environment where harmful microbes can thrive.
4. Chemical Exposure: Vaping liquids often contain a mix of chemicals, flavorings, and additives. When heated, these substances can break down into potentially harmful compounds. For instance, some flavorings used in vaping liquids can produce diacetyl, a substance linked to serious lung disease.
5. Popcorn Lung: The term popcorn lung might sound whimsical, but the condition it describes is far from it. Popcorn lung, medically known as bronchiolitis obliterans, is a serious lung disease caused by exposure to harmful chemicals like diacetyl. Although rare, it has been associated with vaping due to the presence of diacetyl in some e-liquids.
6. Lack of Regulation: The vaping industry has grown rapidly, and regulations have struggled to keep up. This lack of oversight means that the contents of vaping products can vary widely, and users might not always know what they're inhaling.

The science around vaping is still evolving, with many studies underway. It may be years before we have the full picture, but one thing is already clear: vaping is not a risk-free habit.

Is Vaping While Pregnant Dangerous?

Now, let's talk more specifically about vaping while pregnant. When you're expecting, your body is a nurturing haven for your growing baby. However, introducing harmful chemicals into this sanctuary can disrupt the delicate balance and potentially harm your baby's development.

Nicotine, which is often present in vaping aerosols, can narrow blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the placenta. This can lead to serious complications like premature birth, low birth weight, and even developmental issues.

The chemicals in vaping aerosols aren't just a concern for you; they can also affect your baby's lung development. Babies born to mothers who vaped during pregnancy might have a higher risk of respiratory problems, pulmonary diseases, and asthma.

How to Quit Vaping When You Get Pregnant

If you're expecting and you're still vaping, it's time to consider quitting for the sake of your baby's well-being. Here are a few steps to help you kick the vaping habit:

• Seek Support: Quitting anything addictive is easier with a support system. Talk to your partner, friends, family, or a healthcare professional about your decision to quit vaping.
• Focus on Your Motivation: Understanding why you want to quit can be a powerful motivator. Whether it's your baby's health, your own well-being, or both, keep your reasons in mind.
• Replace the Habit: Vaping can become a habit, so replacing it with something else can help. Chew sugar-free gum, snack on healthy treats, or keep your hands busy with a stress ball.
• Professional Help: If you're struggling to quit, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Healthcare providers can guide you through safe methods and provide the support you need.
• Stay Positive: Quitting anything is a journey. Celebrate your progress, and if you slip up, don't be too hard on yourself. Every step counts.

Remember, your little one's health starts with you. While kicking the vaping habit might be a challenge, the rewards for your baby's future are immeasurable. So, take a deep breath, put that e-cigarette down, and embrace a healthier journey for you and your baby.

Stay Informed with Countrywide Testing

Vapes have become extremely popular, but they are highly addictive and carry heavy health risks — especially if you’re vaping while pregnant. To protect the health of you, your baby, and other loved ones, it’s important to stay informed. When you have questions about vaping, smoking, addiction, or any kind of drug use, Countrywide Testing has the answers you need.

An online retailer of reliable, on-site drug testing kits, Countrywide offers an array of products for workplace testing, healthcare emergencies, law enforcement purposes, and individuals trying to stay clean after rehab. This includes testing options for legal substances like nicotine. Our test kits are convenient, affordable, and ship to you quickly. Plus, our lab is accredited by SAMHSA, so you can rest assured your test results are handled in accordance with the highest industry standards.

Want more information on how Countrywide can support a healthy lifestyle? Just contact our team today.