The Risks of E-Cigarettes During Pregnancy: What Expecting Mothers Need to Know
Recently, I received a phone call from Molly, who had just discovered that she was pregnant. While the news was a joyful surprise, Molly had a concern: she smokes a pack of cigarettes per day. Her doctor strongly advised her to quit smoking, as cigarettes pose significant risks to both her and her baby’s health. Molly’s friend suggested that e-cigarettes might be a safer alternative and could help her reduce her reliance on traditional cigarettes. However, Molly was unsure and rightly questioned, “Don’t both cigarettes and e-cigarettes contain nicotine?”
To clarify, ‘e-cigarettes’ are electronic nicotine delivery systems, often referred to as vapes or e-hookahs. These devices heat a nicotine-containing liquid from a cartridge into a vapor that users inhale. While e-cigarettes may avoid some harmful compounds found in traditional cigarettes, such as tar and cadmium, they remain a relatively new and poorly regulated product. The nicotine content in e-cigarette fluids can vary widely, and they often contain additional substances like preservatives and flavorings, many of which have not been thoroughly studied for safety during pregnancy.
This uncertainty makes it challenging to assess the exact risk e-cigarettes pose to pregnant individuals and their babies. We do know that traditional cigarettes and nicotine are associated with numerous risks, including birth defects like cleft lip and palate, miscarriage, and poor fetal growth. Furthermore, substituting e-cigarettes for traditional cigarettes is not a proven method for quitting smoking. In some cases, individuals continue to use both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes, increasing the risk of exposure.
As scientists continue to investigate these issues, most public health agencies advocate for behavioral approaches as the safest strategy for pregnant individuals aiming to quit smoking. Molly’s inquiry into the safety of e-cigarettes demonstrates her care and concern for her and her baby’s well-being. I recommended that she consult her healthcare provider for guidance on quitting smoking and informed her about free resources like the CDC’s Smoker’s Quitline at 1-800-784-8669.
For more detailed information, MotherToBaby offers fact sheets on e-cigarettes, cigarette smoke, and vaping. Individuals can also reach out for personalized advice by calling 866-626-6847, texting 855-999-3525, or connecting via email or chat with a specialist on exposures during pregnancy.
