Byline: Mayo Clinic FAQ
If you're pregnant and unable to quit smoking, your health care provider will likely recommend trying nicotine replacement products — such as a nicotine patch or inhaler, or nicotine gum, lozenges, or nasal spray.
While the safety of using nicotine replacement products during pregnancy hasn't been thoroughly evaluated, using these products will spare your baby exposure to many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Counseling plus nicotine replacement therapy is the most effective way to quit.
Talk to your health care provider about how to minimize your baby's exposure to nicotine. If you use the nicotine patch, for instance, you can remove the patch while you sleep. As your cravings and withdrawal symptoms fade, work with your health care provider to gradually reduce the nicotine replacement over time.
If you'd rather use a non-nicotine medication to stop smoking during pregnancy, the antidepressant bupropion (Zyban) might be an option. Work with your health care provider to weigh the risks and benefits.
