Using NRT Products When Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, the first option we recommend is to try and quit smoking using non-pharmacological methods – like your own willpower combined with professional support such as the NSW Quitline.
Trying to quit? These sections of the iCanQuit website might help you on your quit smoking journey:
If, after a number of quit smoking attempts, you still find that nothing has worked or your cravings are resulting in relapse, it may be time to consider using oral Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
Read more about Nicotine Gum and Nicotine Lozenges
Using NRT Products While Pregnant
NRT products are still safer than smoking. When used correctly they have less nicotine than tobacco, plus they don’t contain the harmful, cancer-causing substances found in tobacco smoke.
If you’re pregnant, the preferred approach is intermittent (non-regular) use of oral NRT products such as nicotine gum or lozenges, as you can control the dose.
However, the effect of NRT in pregnancy is not well understood. There may still be risks associated with this quit method, but it is a much safer option compared to continued smoking.
To protect yourself and your baby, the priority should be to avoid the damaging chemicals found in tobacco smoke by quitting smoking.
It’s important to discuss the type and dose of Nicotine Replacement Therapy with your GP or pharmacist before starting NRT.
Using NRT While Breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding, you might wonder whether NRT products will have an effect on your baby.
Nicotine from smoking or Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can be passed on through breast milk.
However, if you’re finding it hard to quit smoking using other methods, NRT will still be a better option compared to continued smoking.
It’s important to talk to your GP before commencing Nicotine Replacement Therapy.