The use of vaping continues to increase, including women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Here at MotherToBaby we review the newest studies and gather current information to answer the question, “What do we know about vaping and pregnancy?” For the purpose of this blog, I am going to focus on nicotine vaping.
What are ENDS (vapes)?
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) describe a variety of products including:
- Vaporizers
- Vape pens
- Hookah pens
- Tank systems
- Mods
- Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes)
For ease, we will call them all vapes for the rest of the blog.
Vapes were originally developed as an alternative to cigarette smoking. Inside they include a battery, a heating device and liquid with many ingredients. These devices are also used to vape other substances, like cannabis. Vapes work by heating a liquid to create a mist (vapor) that a person inhales into their lungs.
The liquid can contain:
- Various flavors
- Nicotine
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabidiol (CBD) oils
- Propylene glycol and glycerol
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Contamination such as heavy metals
There is no standard liquid or heating process so knowing what is in the vape can be difficult.
Vapes can contain nicotine that is comparable to the amount in regular cigarettes. Nicotine crosses the placenta, enters the breastmilk, and reaches the developing baby. Some vape products that are marketed as free of nicotine are found to contain nicotine. While vape products may have less toxins than cigarettes, there is still exposure to nicotine and other toxic chemicals, which can increase the chances of pregnancy-related problems.
Studies have now shown that vaping can increase risks to pregnancy like cigarette smoking. This includes increased chances of:
- Miscarriage
- Preterm delivery (birth before week 37)
- Low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth)
- Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Compared to cigarette smoking, vaping did not show lower risks to a pregnancy and dual use showed the highest risks.
Is vaping a safer alternative than cigarette smoking in pregnancy?
Vape products came on the market in the U.S. in 2007, and their popularity grew quickly. One of the reasons they became so popular was the belief that they were a safer alternative to cigarettes and could help smokers quit or reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke. Heavy cigarette smoking during pregnancy can increase the chances of:
- Miscarriage
- Cleft lip and/or palate (an opening in the upper lip or the roof of the mouth)
- Preterm delivery (birth before week 37)
- Low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Problems with getting pregnant (infertility)
- Ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus)
- Placenta previa (placenta blocks the birth canal)
- Placental abruption (placenta breaks away from the uterine wall early)
Cigarette smoking can also have an impact on your baby’s health after birth. Smoking has been associated with a higher chance of asthma, childhood obesity, and behavioral problems. See our factsheet on cigarette smoking here.
While pregnancy is a big motivation for women to quit smoking, quitting can be hard. This leads pregnant women to find an alternative that might make the quitting process easier like vaping. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend vaping to help people quit smoking. The use of vape products among non-pregnant patients found no evidence that they help in the effort to quit cigarette smoking. In fact, 2 out of 3 people who use vapes continue smoking cigarettes as well (known as “dual use”).
Vaping is not a safer alternative to cigarette smoking in pregnancy.
Health experts recommend that pregnant women avoid all smoking including vaping. Any pregnant woman who is quitting smoking should talk with their health care provider to discuss a plan that is suitable to them. You can also contact resources such as the National Quitline Network (1-800-QUIT NOW) for additional support. You can find more resources to help you quit smoking here. See our factsheet on vaping here.
Quitting is best for you and your baby so go ahead and clear the air!
