Smoking is a habit that is injurious to health, and everyone knows that. Even though it can cause a lot of harm to anyone’s health, it is even more harmful to those who are pregnant.
Smoking during pregnancy can lead to an array of negative consequences, including low birth weight, pre-term birth, and infant death. It’s no wonder that pregnant mothers want to quit smoking as soon as they find out they’re pregnant.
But what about those women who quit before knowing they’re pregnant? What motivates them to kick the habit? Here are some reasons why women stop smoking before they discover they’re pregnant.
1. Desire to start a family
Many women who quit smoking before discovering they’re pregnant do so because they have a desire to start a family. They know that smoking is harmful and can cause a range of health issues not just for themselves but also for their unborn child.
So, they decide to quit smoking and make lifestyle changes to prepare their body for the future. Some may even reach out to medical or healthcare professionals for help and support in quitting.
2. Concern for the health of their future baby
Many women who quit smoking before discovering they’re pregnant want to ensure the health of their future child. They know that smoking while pregnant can lead to various complications, and they do not want to risk the health of their baby.
These women understand that their future baby’s health is a top priority, and quitting smoking is a crucial step they can take to ensure their unborn baby’s health.
3. Awareness and education
With the availability of information on the internet, many women are now aware that smoking can have a significant impact on their health and the health of their future baby.
They browse the internet for information about pregnancy and the different things they can do to improve their health and the health of their unborn child. The more aware they become, the more proactive they are in making changes such as quitting smoking before they discover they’re pregnant.
4. Positive changes in lifestyle
Women who are trying to conceive often make positive changes in their lifestyle, such as eating healthy and exercising. Quitting smoking is part of that lifestyle change.
These women understand that they need to be healthy and in the best shape possible to conceive a baby. Once they have decided to make positive changes in their life, quitting smoking is an easy decision for them to make.
5. Fear of infertility
Many women who quit smoking before discovering they’re pregnant do so because they fear infertility. Smoking can cause infertility in both men and women, and those who are trying to conceive are aware of this.
They decide to quit smoking to increase their chances of getting pregnant while also improving their overall health.
6. Support from friends and family
For women who smoke, friends and family may be a significant influence on quitting smoking. Many women who quit smoking before discovering they’re pregnant do so because their friends or family members have encouraged them to do so.
The support of loved ones can be an essential factor in instilling the confidence and motivation to quit smoking for good.
7. Financial considerations
Smoking is not only bad for health, but it is also expensive. Many women who quit smoking before discovering they’re pregnant do so because they want to save money.
Smoking is not only harmful to their health and the health of their unborn child but it is also a significant financial burden that they do not need.
8. Concern for personal health
Quitting smoking is not just about the health of the baby; it is also about the health of the mother. Women who smoke are aware that it can cause a range of health problems such as heart disease, lung cancer, and other debilitating conditions.
By quitting smoking, they can reduce the risk of these health problems and improve their overall well-being.
9. Previous failed attempts
Many women who quit smoking before discovering they’re pregnant have tried to quit smoking before. They may have failed in the past, but they understand the importance of quitting and want to give it another try.
These women are determined to quit smoking for good and try different strategies to make it happen.
10. Health risks of smoking in general
Smoking is harmful in general, and many women who quit smoking before discovering they’re pregnant do so because of the potential harm it can cause.
These women may have witnessed the effects of smoking on loved ones and may not want to follow in their footsteps. They may also be aware of the other health risks associated with smoking, such as heart disease and lung cancer, and want to reduce their risk of developing these conditions.