Why Avoiding E-Cigarette Use During Pregnancy Matters
What We Know
Although e-cigarettes may be safer than real cigarettes, they are still not safe. We know that nicotine is highly addictive, is present in unregulated amounts in e-cigarettes, and is easily absorbed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies nicotine as a Pregnancy Category D drug, which means it is considered toxic – research indicates there are thousands of potentially harmful substances in e-cigarettes. Consequently, there are likely impacts on both the mother and the baby, though the extent of these impacts is still being studied.
Before Your Baby Is Born
After Your Baby Is Born
Because e-cigarettes are relatively new, not enough studies have been conducted to understand the full extent of nicotine exposure, separate from the other chemicals contained in tobacco smoke. However, preclinical studies suggest links between nicotine and preterm birth, stillbirth, SIDS, behavior problems, and cardiovascular disease. (1)
It’s Never Too Late!
(1) McGrath-Morrow, S.A., Gorzkowski, J., Groner, J.A., Rule, A. M., Wilson, K., Tanski, S. E., Collaco, J.M., Klein, J. D. (2020). The effects of nicotine on development. Pediatrics, 145(3): e20191346. 10.1542/peds.2019-1346.