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    Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy: Beating Withdrawal

    The first day after you quit smoking, as the nicotine leaves your body, you’re likely to notice symptoms of withdrawal. These are signs of your body recovering from smoking, vaping, or using a hookah or waterpipe. For some people, withdrawal is mild. Others have a harder time. In any case, withdrawal should begin to lessen after the first few days. Use the 4 D’s listed below to beat withdrawal.

    Common withdrawal symptoms 

    Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are:

    • Snacking more

    • Getting headaches

    • Having trouble sleeping

    • Feeling anxious

    • Feeling cranky or restless

    • Feeling down or having trouble concentrating

    Use the 4 D’s

    Withdrawal symptoms and smoking urges are strongest the first few days. Use the 4 D’s below to help when you crave a cigarette.

    Deep-breathe

    Inhale through your nose. Try to feel as if you're breathing into your stomach. Then slowly exhale all the air through your mouth. Repeat this 4 to 5 times. This can help calm the urge to smoke.

    Drink water

    This keeps your mouth fresh and flushes nicotine from your body.

    Do something

    File your nails. Learn a nursery rhyme. Write a note to a friend.

    Delay!

    Put off smoking. The urge to smoke usually lasts only a brief time.

    To learn more

    Here are some resources to contact:

    Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2024
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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