Mom’s Quit Connection

Quit Help

 

What to Expect

Quit Timeline

20 minutes after quitting:
Your blood pressure and heart rate drops

8 hours after quitting:
Carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop to normal.

2 wks to 3 months after quitting:
Your circulation improves and lung function increases up to 30%.

1 to 9 months after quitting:
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in lungs increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection. (download Recovery timeline)

Recovery Symptoms

Your body will experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are signs that your body is healing, they are normal and temporary.

Think of them as ‘recovery symptoms’ as your body becomes smoke free. Information on the cause and solutions for common withdrawal symptoms can be found in our Symptoms of Recovery Flyer

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Getting Ready 

Even though you know smoking is not healthy for you or your baby and your doctor may have already told you to quit…still, the most important question is whether you are ready?

Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time…a time when a lot of changes are happening, in your body and with your lifestyle. Many pregnant smokers use this time to quit. Still others decide that they will quit ‘for the pregnancy’ and plan to start again once the baby is born. Others are afraid to face the challenges of pregnancy without cigarettes, and are unwilling to try to quit.

First Steps

Start on the right foot. Check these items as you do them.
  • Get rid of your cigarettes, ashtrays, matches and lighters.
  • Get your money jar ready for all the money you will be saving
  • Stock up on healthy snacks like carrots and pretzels. You can munch when you have a cigarette craving.
  • Make your home and car smoke free.
  • Tell your family and friends you donft smoke anymore and ask for their support
  • Practice deep breathing
  • Practice saying ‘No thank you. I don't smoke.’
  • Complete your personal Breath Easy Promise

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    Success Tips

    Without question, you will be tempted. ‘Name and Tame Your Triggers’ is an easy to follow chart with examples of how to deal with the most common triggers for smokers. The 4 D’s is another handy tool for when the cravings begin. Here they are:

    The FOUR D’S 

    Use the Four D’s anytime you crave a cigarette. The Four D’s are simple to do. And you can use them no matter where you are.

    1. Drink Water:
      Drinking water may distract you. It also flushes the nicotine out of your body.
    2. Delay:
      If you wait a few minutes, the craving for a cigarette may pass.
    3. Deep Breathe:
      Take five deep breaths and relax for a few minutes. You may not want a cigarette as much anymore.
    4. Do something else? anything else!
      Here are some ideas:
      • Call a friend who knows you have stopped smoking
      • Take a walk.
      • Suck on hard candy or chew gum
      • Brush your teeth
      • Play with your children
      • Read a magazine
      • Clean your kitchen or house

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