Smoking

lisa · Post by **lisa** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 7:44 pm

I have smoked 20 cigarettes a day for years but when I got to my 2ww in June did manage to get down to 4 a day. I know that any dr would tell me to quit - half of me wants to then the other half thinks that if I did try and quit the stress involved could be more harmful that a cigarette. Also, I've heard that because my body is used to nicotine that a sudden "stop" is more harmful - I choose to believe this!!!! Some days I think it's best to quit even though I do enjoy it then I think of all these natural births that happen to smokers, drinkers and druggies and they seen to manage it. Are any of you smokers and what are your thoughts??

suzannemorris · Post by **suzannemorris** » Wed Dec 04, 2002 8:45 pm

Hi Lisa, I stopped smoking in January 1999 (yeah, a new years resolution, not very original I know), I stopped then in advance of trying for a baby, as I didn't want the pressure of being pregnant and having to try to give up. Well F#%king waste of time that was (excuse my french) because I'm still not pregnant.....all those missed ciggies!! Mind you I'm glad I did, as I don't miss it anymore (although it took a while!) A friend of mine who was very anti expectmant mums smoking, got pregnant but had difficulty quitting, she then became a firm believer in the adage that it's better to smoke and be stress free for the baby's sake. Apparently her GP advised her of this. I have to be honest and say that I really disagree with pregnant women smoking, I just feel that it's a sacrifice worth making for the sake of the babies health. I know plenty of women do continue to smoke during their pregnancies and seem to give birth to very healthy babies, but let's face it, we all know the damage that ciggies can do. I think you've done great to get down to 4 a day, as believe me I know how hard it is to break the habit. And I think at the end of the day you need to do what's right for you. Sorry if I sound like a reformed smoker on a rant, I'm not I promise. Good Luck if you do try and quit. Suzanne.x

Mags529 · Post by **Mags529** » Thu Dec 05, 2002 8:51 am

Hi Guys I am hoping this Saturday will be the day I quit!!!!!! For my first IVF I smoked about 3 - 5 aday, i was advised not to quit but to cut down so I wouldn't stress about anything else. Now back on about 10 - 15 a day!?!?!? I would love to stop but have no will power!! but then again some of my friends smoked when they pg only 2 had prems. I know that in the long run it is better to stop smoking and I hope to (on Saturday. So really for my long term health I will be quiting, and I want to be around for my furture kiddies for along time. Mags xx

Sarah30 · Post by **Sarah30** » Thu Dec 05, 2002 10:25 am

Hi Lisa I'm so glad to read that you're gonna go for it. I don't see any advantages in carrying on smoking through pregnancy but many for giving up. I smoked 10-15 a day for years then when started trying for a baby - gave up for a year, after no success with getting pg - started again up until first IVF, then stopped completely, when this failed, started again!!! only gave up 2 weeks before my second et in October and am now pg - wouldn't even dream of taking a puff now and to be honest, don't miss it at all. DH smokes, so I thought this would make it harder, but it just makes me hate it more for some reason. Go for it girl! You can do it! Sarah

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Lissa · Post by **Lissa** » Thu Dec 05, 2002 11:35 am

Hi Lisa Like you, I love a ciggie. Managed to give up just before my 2ww last time but found it really hard. This time round I haven't really smoked the occasional puff when somebody was smoking in my face (DH naughty!!) My view is that this treatment costs so much money that you really have to give it your best shot. No matter how many reasons you can think of to keep smoking is never going to add up to not smoking. It is really hard but I found there were only ten minute bursts of really needing one, once that wore off I would have about 3-4 hours until the next craving. Also I did notice how much better my food tasted and that I could take a really deep breath without my lungs feeling tight. You can do it. Nothing worse and than listening to a reformed smoker. I am not quite but getting there. Who wants to see a mother pushing a pram with a fag hanging out her mouth!! Good luck Lol Lissa So easy to preach but I know doing it is really hard. xx

mands · Post by **mands** » Thu Dec 05, 2002 2:55 pm

Hi Lisa I don't envy your task. I was a very committed smoker (40 a day) till 5 years ago. I gave up by telling myself whenever I felt weak and I really needed a smoke I'd have one tommorrow, giving up for life was just too scary. It worked for me. Best of luck anyway, Mandyx

Sandra S · Post by **Sandra S** » Thu Dec 05, 2002 3:46 pm

Hi lisa i am the same as you. Cut down to 5 or 6 a day at the beginning of this cycle. The Dr told me also that the stress would be worse and while i totally agree with the advice and opinions posted i still can't quite find the willpower to stop completely and i hate myself for it. i still tell myself that i won't smoke when i am pg and hopefully will stick to it but in that case why dont i give up now to help myself get pregnant and round and round i go arguing with myself! i think most importantly you have to do what you can to help the process and feel comfortable with it. They have advised that it is more important for men to give up than women as it doesn't really affect us when trying, just when pg. i have given up everything else - alcohol, chocolate, coffee etc and that's hard enough! Having said all that i am intending to give up in the new year or sooner if this cycle is successful. Good luck Sandra

Sarah30 · Post by **Sarah30** » Thu Dec 05, 2002 3:58 pm

hello sandra glad to hear you're giving it a good go too and have done well to cut right down. i have completely given up now and actually feel fine about (by some miracle I think) i just wanted to say that my doctor said that yes, men smoking can affect the quality/quantity of sperm and also make the produce more damaged ones but also can affect implatation in women which is why i stopped before treatment (only managed to 2 weeks before mind you). haven't added this to bully you, just wanted to say that it could be risk factor for success of your treatment. sorry, sound like a right preacher now. don't mean to sarah

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Sandra S · Post by **Sandra S** » Fri Dec 06, 2002 3:24 pm

Hi Sarah Thanks for that - i didnt know about the implantation. That gives me even more incentive to give up - especially as it worked for you! Take care Sandra

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