Vaping has gained popularity over the past decade and is considered a safer habit compared to tobacco smoking. However, specific populations, such as pregnant women, raise serious health concerns. Whereas traditional smoking has long been known to be hazardous in pregnancy, the risks from vaping are just beginning to be investigated. Emerging studies, however, reveal many potential health effects on both the mother and the developing fetus.
Vaping is the act of inhaling aerosol, commonly known as vapor, generated by an e-cigarette or related device. This aerosol generally contains nicotine, flavorings, and a number of chemicals like polypropylene glycol. That specific chemical can cause side effects such as: severe nausea, lifelong migraines, seizures, and cancer. Although electronic cigarettes do not create tar along with many of the toxic substances of regular cigarettes, they are far from harmless, especially during pregnancy.
Nicotine is considered to be one among the noxious agents in pregnancy. Being inhaled through smoking or vaping, nicotine substances easily cross the placenta and thus directly affect the fetus. Vaping while pregnant increases the chance of miscarriage, preterm births, organs not being fully developed, or even death after birth. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. If you vape while pregnant, you will cause your unborn child to become addicted which causes lifelong side effects.
