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Vaping While Pregnant – Up-to-Date Guidance

Posted on by admin
02
Jan

By Andra – Vapourium NHS Accredited Stop Smoking Advisor

Hello everyone, it’s Andra here. I’m the Stop Smoking Advisor at our Fareham store, and I’ve been part of the Vapourium team for over seven years. In 2021, I completed my NCSCT Level 2 Stop Smoking Practitioner training — the same qualification used across NHS stop smoking services in hospitals, pharmacies, and community clinics.

Most of our team across all three Vapourium stores are now trained stop smoking advisors too, so wherever you come to see us, you’ll receive the same level of support, reassurance, and guidance.

Recently, I completed additional training focused specifically on pregnancy and post-partum smoking cessation. Over the last few months, we’ve had more people ask about vaping during pregnancy — and understandably so. Advice online, from friends, and even from healthcare professionals can sometimes be inconsistent or outdated.

Why advice can feel confusing (even from professionals)

This is important to say gently and honestly:

  • There is a lot of outdated or incorrect information online, especially around vaping and pregnancy.
  • Some healthcare professionals may not have completed newer, optional training modules — meaning they may still be working from older guidance.

This doesn’t mean your midwife or GP is wrong or doesn’t care — they work incredibly hard and cover a huge range of healthcare topics. Vaping guidance, however, changes very quickly. As specialists in the field, keeping up with new research, regulations, and product safety is part of our daily work, which means we can offer the most up-to-date advice specifically around vaping.

My aim isn’t to contradict anyone, but to explain the most current evidence, provide reassurance, and help you make decisions that feel right for you and your baby.

And please remember — you will never be judged here. Whether you’re smoking, vaping, trying to quit, or unsure where to start, we’re here to support you kindly and calmly.

📧 admin@vapourium.co.uk
📞 Fareham: 01329 609107
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Is it better to smoke or vape during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

In an ideal world, neither would be part of your routine. But pregnancy is emotional, overwhelming, and often the moment many people try to quit,  and quitting smoking is incredibly difficult.

Here’s the reassuring bit:

If vaping is what helps you stay away from cigarettes, you have already made a far safer choice for both you and your baby.

The NHS states that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. Nicotine itself isn’t recommended in pregnancy, but the real dangers in smoking come from:

  • Carbon monoxide, which reduces oxygen to the baby
  • Tar, which coats the lungs and bloodstream
  • Toxins and carcinogens, which cross the placenta

None of these are present in vapour.

A useful comparison:

  • One cigarette contains around 7–9mg of nicotine absorbed in minutes
  • A 10mg vape liquid refers to the whole 10ml bottle, not per puff

Vaping a full 10ml bottle of 10mg liquid is roughly equivalent to ONE cigarette’s worth of nicotine — but without the thousands of harmful chemicals.

If you’ve been offered nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, or sprays, those also contain nicotine. The difference is simply the delivery method.

And most importantly:

Every cigarette you don’t smoke is already a step in the right direction. Any reduction is progress.

Why do I still crave cigarettes even when I vape?

This is very normal — and nothing to feel guilty about.

During pregnancy and soon after birth, your metabolism speeds up, meaning nicotine is processed by your system more quickly. As a result, you may naturally feel:

  • Increased cravings
  • More irritation or restlessness
  • That your usual strength isn’t enough

In many cases, the solution is simple:

  • Using a slightly higher nicotine strength, or
  • Choosing a device that delivers a stronger, more satisfying draw style

This doesn’t mean your addiction is worse. It simply reflects how your body is working right now.

We’re always happy to help you find a setup that keeps cravings under control and makes staying smoke-free much easier.

Understanding CO Testing in Pregnancy

Many pregnant people are offered carbon monoxide (CO) breath tests at midwife appointments. Some are not told why.

Here’s the reassurance:

  • CO testing measures the amount of carbon monoxide in your body
  • Smoking raises CO levels quickly
  • Vaping does not produce carbon monoxide
  • CO levels usually drop within 24–48 hours of stopping smoking

Seeing that number fall can be hugely comforting and a great motivator.

Pregnancy, Sensitivity, and Vaping Comfort

Your senses change dramatically during pregnancy. This is normal.

You may find:

  • Flavours you once liked now make you nauseous
  • Sweet flavours become overwhelming
  • Strong menthol feels too intense
  • Different VG/PG ratios feel different in your throat

If your vape suddenly isn’t comfortable:

  • Try a gentler flavour
  • Try nic salts instead of freebase (or vice versa)
  • Adjust the power
  • Ask us to help you find something smoother

Small tweaks make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions we’re asked most often in-store and online.

Can vaping harm my baby?

Current evidence shows that vaping is significantly safer than smoking, particularly in pregnancy. Vapour contains far fewer chemicals and no carbon monoxide.

Vaping isn’t completely risk-free — but if it helps you avoid smoking, it is absolutely the safer choice.

Is nicotine-free e-liquid safer?

Nicotine-free e-liquid removes nicotine completely, which is ideal if you can do so without struggling. But reducing nicotine too quickly can create strong cravings, stress, and sometimes lead to a relapse.

A gradual reduction is much more manageable.

Is it safe to vape while breastfeeding?

Yes — vaping is considered far safer than smoking while breastfeeding.

To minimise nicotine transfer:

  • Try to vape after feeding rather than before
  • Wash your hands afterwards
  • Avoid vaping directly next to your baby. While there’s no evidence of harmful second-hand vapour from vaping, your little human is just starting to build their immune system.

The goal is to avoid exposing the baby to the toxic chemicals found in smoke.

Can I use disposable vapes while pregnant?

Disposable vapes are still safer than smoking, but they often contain higher nicotine strengths and offer less control.

Ideally, a refillable device is recommended — but if disposables are the only thing stopping you from smoking, they are still the safer alternative.

Can I switch between smoking and vaping (dual use)?

It’s understandable, and lots of people do this at first.
But dual use still exposes you to the damages of smoking.

If you can, aim to fully replace cigarettes with vaping — even if it takes time. Every reduction step helps.

Should I be worried about second-hand vapour?

There is currently no evidence that second-hand vapour poses the same risks as second-hand smoke. Vapour disperses quickly and contains far fewer chemicals.

Still, avoid vaping directly near children and keep rooms ventilated.

What if vaping makes me cough during pregnancy?

This is quite common. Try:

  • Switching between nic salts and freebase
  • Lowering your nicotine strength
  • Using a gentler device
  • Adjusting power or airflow

We can help you troubleshoot this easily.

Questions About Quitting Smoking

These are particularly common from people wanting to quit completely.

What’s the safest way to quit smoking while pregnant?

The safest way is the one that:

  • Keeps you smoke-free
  • Feels achievable
  • Reduces stress rather than increasing it

Options include:

  • Vaping
  • Nicotine replacement therapy
  • A combination approach
  • Regular support from a stop smoking advisor

Stopping cold turkey works for some people, but many find it leads to relapse. It’s okay to use tools that make quitting easier.

How do I know when I’m ready to lower my nicotine strength or stop vaping altogether?

Signs you may be ready:

  • You aren’t thinking about cigarettes anymore
  • You sometimes forget to vape
  • Cravings are mild and infrequent
  • The idea of reducing doesn’t feel stressful

Remember: there’s no pressure and no timeline. Vaping can be a temporary tool, not a long-term commitment.

We can help you come up with a gentle step-down plan if you’d like one.

What if I relapse after the baby is born?

This is incredibly common due to:

  • Sleep deprivation
  • Stress
  • Hormonal changes
  • Returning to social situations

A relapse isn’t a failure. Keeping a vape on hand can dramatically lower the chance of going back to smoking.

Partner Smoking & Relapse Risk

If someone in the household smokes, your relapse risk increases. You can’t control another person’s actions, but you can ask for support:

  • Encourage them to vape instead of smoke
  • Ask them not to smoke around you
  • Keep shared spaces smoke-free

This protects both you and your baby.

Safety Tips Around the Home

A few simple, reassuring reminders:

  • Store e-liquids and devices out of reach of children
  • Don’t leave vapes charging unattended
  • Use appropriate chargers
  • Keep bottles tightly closed and upright

These are general safety tips — nothing to worry about, just good practice.

When to Seek Additional Support

Please reach out to your midwife or GP if:

  • You’ve relapsed back into regular smoking
  • Cravings feel unmanageable
  • You’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed about quitting
  • You want a formal stop smoking referral alongside vaping

You can use both healthcare support and our advisor support together — you don’t have to choose one or the other.

Final Thoughts

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to quit smoking, please remember:

You’re already taking a positive step by reading this and seeking reliable information. There is no judgement here — only support.

Quitting smoking is a journey, and it can take time. Whether you’re vaping to quit, reducing gradually, or just trying to understand your options, we’re always here for friendly, calm, up-to-date guidance.

Pop in anytime or contact us if you’d like one-to-one support. You don’t have to do this alone.

Trusted Resources for Additional Support

NHS Smokefree – Pregnancy Support

NCSCT (National Centre for Smoking Cessation & Training)

Tommy’s – Evidence-Based Pregnancy Advice

NICE – Smoking: Harm Reduction Guidelines

ASH (Action on Smoking and Health)

These organisations provide up-to-date, research-based guidance around smoking, vaping, nicotine, and pregnancy.

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