Adults only (18+)

Can You Vape When Pregnant

Many people who smoke turn to vaping as a way to reduce or quit cigarettes, but the question becomes more complex during pregnancy. Expectant mothers often want to do everything possible to protect their baby’s health, and it is natural to wonder whether vaping is a safe option. The short answer is that vaping is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly if it contains nicotine. While it is generally considered less harmful than smoking, health experts still advise avoiding nicotine and unnecessary chemicals while pregnant.

What Health Authorities Say About Vaping and Pregnancy

The NHS and other UK health organisations state that vaping should only be used during pregnancy if it helps a person stop smoking completely. Smoking traditional cigarettes during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Because of this, vaping may be considered a harm-reduction tool if a pregnant smoker cannot quit using other methods.

However, vaping is not risk-free. The safest approach is to stop smoking and vaping entirely during pregnancy. Nicotine can affect the baby’s development, particularly the brain and lungs, and may influence growth in the womb. Even nicotine-free e-liquids contain flavourings and chemicals that have not been fully tested for use during pregnancy.

Is Vaping Safer Than Smoking While Pregnant?

Yes, vaping is likely to be less harmful than smoking, but that does not mean it is safe. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals, including carbon monoxide and tar, both of which are extremely harmful to an unborn baby. E-cigarettes do not produce these toxins, so they eliminate many of the risks associated with smoking.

However, most vape liquids still contain nicotine, which is addictive and affects blood flow between mother and baby. Nicotine can raise the baby’s heart rate and interfere with oxygen supply. This is why health professionals encourage pregnant smokers to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as patches, gum, or lozenges, rather than vaping. These options provide controlled nicotine doses without other ingredients found in e-liquids.

What About Nicotine-Free Vaping?

Nicotine-free e-liquids are available, and some people assume they are safe to use during pregnancy. While these do remove nicotine exposure, they still contain other substances such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings. Research into how these ingredients affect pregnancy is limited, and inhaling any chemical during pregnancy is not risk-free.

Nicotine-free vaping might seem harmless, but the long-term effects on foetal development are not fully understood. Health experts therefore recommend avoiding vaping altogether if possible, even without nicotine.

How Nicotine Affects Pregnancy

Nicotine is known to have several harmful effects on pregnancy. It reduces blood flow through the placenta, limiting the oxygen and nutrients available to the baby. This can slow growth and increase the risk of premature birth. Nicotine can also affect brain development and increase the likelihood of behavioural and attention-related issues later in childhood.

For the mother, nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Even though vaping delivers nicotine without combustion, the substance itself remains harmful to both mother and baby.

Can Vaping Cause Miscarriage or Birth Defects?

There is currently not enough research to show a direct link between vaping and miscarriage or birth defects, but scientists know that nicotine and other e-liquid chemicals can affect foetal development. Because vaping is relatively new, long-term studies are still ongoing. Until more evidence is available, health professionals recommend caution and avoidance.

Smoking has been proven to increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects, and because vaping still delivers nicotine, it may pose similar risks. Even though e-cigarettes remove many of the harmful substances found in tobacco smoke, nicotine exposure remains a concern during pregnancy.

What If You Used to Vape Before Finding Out You Were Pregnant?

If you were vaping before discovering your pregnancy, do not panic. The most important thing is to stop as soon as possible and seek support. Early changes can significantly improve your baby’s health outcomes. The body begins repairing itself within days of quitting nicotine, and the baby’s oxygen supply improves quickly once nicotine exposure stops.

The NHS provides free stop-smoking services that can offer tailored advice for pregnant women, including access to nicotine replacement therapies if needed. Midwives and GPs can also refer you to local support services and help you choose a safe method to quit.

Why Quitting Nicotine Is So Difficult

Nicotine addiction is powerful and can make quitting challenging, especially during stressful times like pregnancy. For many people, vaping has been an effective way to reduce or stop smoking, so giving that up too can feel daunting. However, with proper guidance and support, it is possible to quit both safely.

Nicotine replacement therapies are designed to deliver smaller, controlled doses of nicotine to ease withdrawal without exposing the baby to other chemicals. These can include patches, gum, lozenges, or mouth sprays. All are considered safer for use during pregnancy than vaping or smoking.

Alternatives to Vaping During Pregnancy

If you are struggling to quit nicotine altogether, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives. Nicotine replacement therapies are available through the NHS and are considered the safest option for managing cravings during pregnancy. Your midwife or GP can help you choose a method that suits you and ensure it is used correctly.

Some people also benefit from behavioural support, counselling, or group programmes that focus on breaking the habit of smoking or vaping. Emotional support and stress management are just as important as physical withdrawal, especially during pregnancy.

Second-Hand Vapour and Pregnancy

Even if you do not vape yourself, exposure to vapour from others is best avoided during pregnancy. While second-hand vapour is far less harmful than cigarette smoke, it can still contain trace levels of nicotine and other chemicals. Pregnant women should avoid enclosed spaces where others are vaping to minimise unnecessary exposure.

Encouraging partners or family members to vape outdoors can make a big difference in maintaining clean indoor air. This is particularly important in smaller homes where ventilation is limited.

What Happens After the Baby Is Born?

If you managed to quit vaping during pregnancy, it is best to stay vape-free after your baby is born. Continuing to avoid nicotine will support your recovery and ensure a healthy environment for your child.

If you are breastfeeding, nicotine can pass through breast milk, so avoiding vaping remains the safest choice. If you find quitting difficult, speak to a healthcare professional about nicotine replacement options that are compatible with breastfeeding.

Vaping and Postpartum Cravings

Some people find that cravings for nicotine return after giving birth, especially during stressful periods or sleepless nights. If this happens, seek support before turning back to vaping or smoking. The NHS offers free stop-smoking advice lines, and many local pharmacies provide one-to-one guidance for new parents.

Staying smoke-free and vape-free after pregnancy benefits both you and your baby in the long term, improving heart and lung health and setting a strong example for your child.

Final Thoughts

You should not vape during pregnancy, particularly if your e-liquid contains nicotine. Although vaping is less harmful than smoking, it still carries risks for your baby’s development and overall health. The safest approach is to stop using all nicotine products during pregnancy.

If you find quitting difficult, speak to your GP or midwife about nicotine replacement therapies and support services available through the NHS. With the right help, you can protect your baby’s health, manage your cravings safely, and enjoy a healthier pregnancy overall.