Pregnancy is a time when women focus on keeping both themselves and their growing baby healthy. From eating well to avoiding harmful substances, every choice matters. But one question that comes up more and more is about vaping while pregnant. Many people think vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes, so they wonder if it’s okay to vape during pregnancy. The truth is, vape while pregnant carries serious risks—for both the mother and the developing baby. This blog will break down what science says about vape while pregnant, the dangers it poses, and why it’s never a safe choice.

What’s in Vape Products That Harms a Pregnancy?

To understand why vape while pregnant is risky, you need to know what’s in vape devices and e-liquids. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is the most well-known harmful ingredient. Even if an e-liquid is labeled “nicotine-free,” tests have found that many still have small amounts of nicotine. And nicotine isn’t the only problem.

E-liquids also have chemicals like propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which turn into vapor when heated. When these chemicals are inhaled, they can enter the mother’s bloodstream and reach the baby through the placenta. Studies show that PG and VG breakdown products can irritate the lungs, but their effects on a developing fetus are still being studied. What we do know is that any foreign chemical entering the womb can disrupt the baby’s growth.

Flavorings in e-liquids are another concern. Many flavors use chemicals like diacetyl, which is linked to lung damage in adults. When a pregnant woman vapes, these flavoring chemicals can pass to the baby. We don’t yet know all the long-term effects, but early research suggests they may harm the baby’s developing organs, especially the lungs and brain.

How Vape While Pregnant Affects the Mother

Vape while pregnant isn’t just bad for the baby—it can harm the mother too. Pregnancy already puts extra stress on the body, and vaping adds more strain.

Nicotine in vapes raises blood pressure and heart rate. For pregnant women, this can increase the risk of preeclampsia—a dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs like the liver or kidneys. Preeclampsia can lead to premature birth or even death for both mother and baby.

Vaping also irritates the lungs. Pregnant women are more prone to respiratory infections because their immune systems are weaker. Vaping dries out the airways and makes them more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. This can lead to bronchitis or even pneumonia, which can be serious during pregnancy and may require hospitalization.

Another issue is dehydration. Vaping can cause dry mouth and increased thirst. Pregnant women need to stay hydrated for their own health and to support the baby’s amniotic fluid. Dehydration from vaping can lead to headaches, fatigue, and in severe cases, preterm labor.

Risks to the Developing Baby When You Vape While Pregnant

The most worrying part of vape while pregnant is the impact on the baby. A fetus’s body is developing rapidly, and exposure to harmful substances can have lifelong effects.

Low birth weight is a common risk. Babies born to mothers who vape while pregnant are more likely to weigh less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) at birth. Low birth weight increases the chance of health problems in infancy, like trouble breathing, infections, and developmental delays. These babies may also need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) longer.

Premature birth is another major concern. Vaping while pregnant can cause the baby to be born before 37 weeks. Premature babies face a higher risk of serious health issues, including lung problems, vision loss, and cerebral palsy. They may also have long-term learning disabilities.

Nicotine exposure from vape while pregnant can harm the baby’s brain development. The brain grows quickly during pregnancy, and nicotine disrupts the formation of neural connections. This can lead to problems with attention, memory, and behavior later in life. Studies on children whose mothers vaped during pregnancy show higher rates of hyperactivity and difficulty focusing in school.

There’s also evidence that vape while pregnant increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the unexplained death of a baby under one year old, and it’s more common in babies exposed to nicotine before birth. The exact reason isn’t clear, but researchers think nicotine affects the baby’s breathing reflexes, making them more vulnerable.

What Science Says About Vape While Pregnant

Research on vape while pregnant is still new, but the studies we have are clear: it’s not safe.

A 2021 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who vaped while pregnant were 30% more likely to have a premature birth than non-vapers. The study also found a link between vaping during pregnancy and low birth weight, even when other factors like smoking were accounted for.

Another study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, looked at over 5,000 pregnant women. It found that babies born to mothers who vaped while pregnant had a 40% higher risk of being admitted to the NICU. The risk was even higher for mothers who vaped and smoked cigarettes.

Doctors and health organizations agree that vape while pregnant is risky. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises pregnant women to avoid all e-cigarettes and vaping products. The CDC also warns that there’s no safe level of nicotine exposure during pregnancy, and vaping introduces other harmful chemicals too.

Some people argue that vaping is better than smoking during pregnancy, but this isn’t a good comparison. While vaping may have fewer chemicals than cigarettes, it still contains nicotine and other toxins that harm the baby. The best choice is to avoid both.

Why Pregnant Women Might Vape—and Better Alternatives

Many women who vape while pregnant do so because they’re trying to quit smoking. They think vaping is a safer option, but this isn’t true. Others may not realize the risks, or they may be addicted to nicotine and find it hard to stop.

If you smoked before pregnancy and want to quit, vaping isn’t the answer. There are safer ways to quit that are proven to work. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches or gum can help, but you should only use them under a doctor’s supervision. Your doctor can prescribe the right dose to reduce withdrawal symptoms without exposing the baby to too much nicotine.

Counseling and support groups are also helpful. Many hospitals offer smoking cessation programs for pregnant women. These programs provide tools and encouragement to quit, and they’re free or low-cost. Talking to a therapist who specializes in addiction can also make a difference, especially if you’re struggling with nicotine cravings.

Lifestyle changes can help too. Exercise like walking or prenatal yoga can reduce stress and distract from cravings. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on hard candy can ease the urge to vape. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage you to quit can make a big difference in staying on track.

What to Do If You’ve Vaped While Pregnant

If you’ve already vaped while pregnant, don’t panic—but do stop right away. The earlier you quit, the better it is for you and the baby. Even quitting in the third trimester can reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

Talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They can monitor the baby’s growth more closely with extra ultrasounds. They may also recommend additional tests, like a non-stress test, to check the baby’s heart rate and make sure they’re doing well.

Joining a support group for pregnant women who are quitting vaping can help you stay motivated. Sharing your struggles with others who understand can make you feel less alone. It can also give you tips for handling cravings and avoiding triggers.

Remember that quitting is the best thing you can do for your baby. It’s never too late to make a positive change. Your doctor will support you, not judge you, for taking steps to keep your baby healthy.

Myths About Vape While Pregnant

There are many myths about vape while pregnant that can confuse expectant mothers. Let’s clear them up.

Myth: Vape while pregnant is safe because it’s just water vapor.

Fact: Vapor from e-cigarettes isn’t just water. It contains nicotine, chemicals like formaldehyde, and flavoring additives—all of which are harmful to a developing baby.

Myth: Nicotine-free vapes are okay to use during pregnancy.

Fact: Even nicotine-free vapes can have other harmful chemicals. They also often contain trace amounts of nicotine, and the other ingredients haven’t been tested for safety during pregnancy.

Myth: It’s better to vape while pregnant than to smoke cigarettes.

Fact: While smoking is more harmful, vaping isn’t safe. Both expose the baby to nicotine and toxins. The best choice is to quit both entirely.

Myth: Vape while pregnant only causes problems if you do it every day.

Fact: Even occasional vaping during pregnancy can harm the baby. There’s no safe amount, so any use is risky.

Tips for Quitting Vape While Pregnant

Quitting vaping during pregnancy is hard, but it’s possible with the right strategies.

Set a quit date. Pick a day in the near future to stop vaping, and tell your friends and family so they can support you. Having a specific date gives you time to prepare.

Remove all vape products from your home and car. Get rid of devices, e-liquids, and chargers so they aren’t a temptation. Ask your partner or family members to avoid vaping around you too, as secondhand vapor can still expose you to chemicals.

Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Many people vape to deal with stress, but pregnancy can be stressful enough on its own. Try deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music. Taking a warm bath or talking to a friend can also help you relax.

Keep your hands busy. Vaping is a habit, so finding something to do with your hands can reduce cravings. Try knitting, coloring, or squeezing a stress ball. Holding a water bottle or a small toy can also help.

Reward yourself. Quitting is an achievement, so celebrate small milestones. Treat yourself to a massage, a new book, or a special meal when you reach a week without vaping. Save the money you would have spent on vape products for baby supplies—this can motivate you to keep going.

The Bottom Line on Vape While Pregnant

Vape while pregnant is never safe. It exposes both the mother and the baby to nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can cause serious health problems. From low birth weight and premature birth to long-term brain damage, the risks are too great to ignore.

If you’re pregnant and vaping, know that you’re not alone. Many women struggle with nicotine addiction, but there’s help available. Talk to your doctor about quitting strategies, join a support group, and lean on your loved ones for encouragement.

Your baby’s health depends on the choices you make during pregnancy. Quitting vaping is one of the most important things you can do to give your baby a healthy start in life. It won’t be easy, but the reward—a happy, healthy baby—is worth it.