This factsheet has been written for members of the public by the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS). UKTIS is a not-for-profit organisation funded by Public Health England on behalf of UK Health Departments. UKTIS has been providing scientific information to health care providers since 1983 on the effects that medicines, recreational drugs and chemicals may have on the developing baby during pregnancy.

Nicotine is highly addictive and stopping smoking often causes withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to manage. Nicotine replacement products such as patches, chewing gum, mouth spray, nasal spray and lozenges (Nicorette®, NiQuitin®, Nicotinell®) provide a controlled dose of nicotine that can help to control withdrawal symptoms when stopping smoking. Use of these products can then gradually be reduced until the body is ‘weaned off’ nicotine.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine and flavouring, as well as a number of other chemicals. No studies have been carried out to investigate whether vaping in pregnancy can harm the baby. However, many healthcare professionals believe that vaping exposes the baby to fewer toxic chemicals than smoking. Vaping may therefore be an option for pregnant women who cannot stop smoking using other nicotine replacement products.