Is vaping during pregnancy OK?
Using electronic cigarettes (vaping) during pregnancy isn't safe.
Most electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) contain nicotine, which permanently damages a baby's developing brain and many other organs. E-cigarette liquids also contain chemicals, flavors and other additives that might not be safe for your baby.
It's well known that smoking cigarettes during pregnancy can harm women and their babies. But research suggests that pregnant women who vape believe that using e-cigarettes is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. Pregnant women often don't know if their e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Some also might use e-cigarettes during pregnancy because of the perception that the devices can help them quit or reduce cigarette smoking.
While use of e-cigarettes might expose a growing baby to fewer toxins compared with those from regular cigarette use, nicotine exposure of any kind is harmful to a baby.
If you're pregnant and you smoke or vape, quitting is the best way to give your baby a healthy start. Begin by consulting your health care provider for advice or seek counseling.
March 24, 2023
- Kapaya M, et al. Use of electronic vapor products before, during, and after pregnancy among women with a recent live birth — Oklahoma and Texas, 2015. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2019; doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6808a1.
- Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ170. Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Tobacco-Alcohol-Drugs-and-Pregnancy. Accessed March 18, 2021.
- Whittington JR, et al. The use of electronic cigarettes in pregnancy: A review of the literature. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey. 2018; doi: 10.1097/OGX.0000000000000595.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice. Committee Opinion No. 807. Tobacco and nicotine cessation during pregnancy. 2020; doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003822.
- E-cigarettes and pregnancy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/substance-abuse/e-cigarettes-pregnancy.htm. Accessed March 18, 2021.