Health risks associated with the use of snus during pregnancy
Using snus while pregnant increases the risk of premature birth. In addition, using snus while pregnant may also increase the risk of:
- stillbirth
- caesarean section
- lower birth weight
- small size in relation to the duration of pregnancy
- short-term respiratory arrest during the neonatal period
- cleft lip and palate
The nicotine in the snus probably plays an important role in the elevated risk of complications. The use of “white” snus, which contains little or no tobacco, is therefore not risk-free if it contains nicotine.
Quitting snus while pregnant will offer many advantages for both you and the foetus.
Health risks associated with smoking during pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of:
- low birth weight and premature birth
- stillbirth
- sudden infant death syndrome (in Norwegian)
- respiratory infections and asthma in the child (in Norwegian) during the first years of life
- anterior placenta and placental abruption
- ectopic pregnancy
- miscarriage
- blood clots
Quitting smoking while pregnant offers many benefits for both you and the foetus. It is also important for your child to not be exposed to passive smoking (in Norwegian).
Nicotine reduces oxygen and nutrition
In order for the foetus to grow and develop normally during pregnancy, the foetus requires oxygen. Oxygen is transported to the mother and foetus in the blood. The nicotine in tobacco means that the vessels constrict, which also happens in the placenta and uterus. As a result, the foetus will receive less oxygen and nutrition.
Using snus can result in the foetus being exposed to a more prolonged supply of nicotine than smoking, as snus is often kept in the mouth for longer compared to when a person smokes a cigarette.
If you smoke, you inhale carbon monoxide. This leads to both you and the foetus receiving less oxygen.
Get help and support to quit
It can be easier to quit if you do not try to do it all on your own. For many people, teaming up with others, such as your partner, can help. There are also several services available that can help make it easier for you:
- your doctor or midwife
- overview of aids (in Norwegian)
- counselling and stop smoking courses at Healthy Life Centres
Nicotine medication and e-cigarettes during pregnancy
You should avoid all forms of nicotine during pregnancy. This also means that you should avoid nicotine medication and e-cigarettes that contain nicotine. Speak to your doctor if you are considering using nicotine during pregnancy.
Nicotine-free snus
Some people might try nicotine-free snus in order to avoid regular brown or white snus. There is no evidence to show that it is harmful to use snus that does not contain nicotine or tobacco. It mainly contains plant fibres, herbs, spices and a few other additives. Nevertheless, some types of nicotine-free snus may contain additives that are not recommended during pregnancy, such as ginger. Liquorice and salt, for example, are also best avoided if you have high blood pressure.
Breastfeeding when you smoke or use snus
It is important to breastfeed even if you smoke or use snus. Nevertheless, the best thing for your child is not to smoke or use snus when you are breastfeeding (in Norwegian).