Pregnancy comes with a long list of things to avoid. And if you're a vaper, you're probably wondering where vaping sits on that list.
This isn't a question you should have to guess the answer to. It's one of those topics where getting it right really matters — for you and for your baby.
We're going to give you the straight, evidence‑based answer. No judgment, no scare tactics — just the facts you need to make the best decision for your health and your baby's future.
💡 The Short Answer
No — you should not vape during pregnancy. Health experts, including the NHS, strongly advise against it. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking for the general population, pregnancy is a completely different situation. What goes into your body also reaches your baby, and that changes everything.
Why Is Vaping Risky During Pregnancy?
The main concern is nicotine. Most e‑liquids contain nicotine, and nicotine is harmful to a developing baby. When you vape nicotine, it crosses the placenta and can:
- Restrict blood flow to the placenta, reducing the oxygen and nutrients your baby receives
- Affect brain and lung development, potentially causing lasting damage
- Increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight
Research shows that smoking during pregnancy is linked to a 27% increase in premature birth, a 32% increase in miscarriage, and a 47% increase in stillbirth. While we don't yet have the same level of data for vaping, the risks are taken seriously because of the nicotine exposure.
Even nicotine‑free e‑liquids are not considered completely safe. The vapour still contains chemicals, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and various flavourings. The long‑term effects of inhaling these during pregnancy have not been fully studied — and when the research is limited, the safest move is caution.
⚠️ Important
The NHS states: "We do not know how vaping affects you when you're pregnant or how it will affect your baby." Until we have more evidence, the safest approach is to stop vaping completely.
But Is Vaping Safer Than Smoking?
This is a question many pregnant smokers ask — and it's a fair one.
For non‑pregnant adults, vaping is widely considered to be less harmful than smoking combustible tobacco. The benefit comes from stopping smoking, not from using the vape itself. Current evidence suggests that vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking.
However, pregnancy changes the equation entirely. While switching from smoking to vaping may reduce some of the harm from tobacco combustion, it is not a green light to vape freely throughout pregnancy. The NHS advises that if you are currently smoking and cannot quit, switching to vaping is likely to reduce some harm, but the recommended approach is to use proven methods to quit nicotine altogether.
🔬 What the Latest Evidence Says
The Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group (endorsed by the Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and others) states that while licensed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like patches and gum are the recommended option, vapes appear to be more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine patches. If a pregnant woman chooses to vape and it helps her quit smoking and stay smokefree, she should be supported to do so.
However, the NHS also warns: "Do not continue to smoke tobacco if you vape. This may be more harmful than using either tobacco or vapes alone."
What About Nicotine‑Free Vapes?
You might think that switching to nicotine‑free e‑liquid removes the risk. But the evidence doesn't support that assumption.
Nicotine‑free vapes still produce an aerosol that contains:
- Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine
- Flavourings and other chemicals
- Potentially heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
The long‑term effects of inhaling these substances during pregnancy are simply not known. Because we don't have enough research on safety, the cautious approach is to avoid them altogether.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) — A Safer Alternative
If you're struggling to quit vaping or smoking during pregnancy, there are safer, medically approved options.
The NHS recommends using licensed Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products such as patches, gum, and lozenges. These have been studied extensively and are considered safer during pregnancy under medical supervision.
NRT works by delivering a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke or vape aerosol. It can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while you work towards being completely nicotine‑free.
Your midwife or GP can prescribe NRT and provide guidance on the right strength and type for you.
✅ NRT vs Vaping — What's the Difference?
- NRT (patches, gum, lozenges): Medically licensed, studied extensively in pregnancy, considered safe under supervision
- Vaping: Not medically licensed, limited research on pregnancy safety, contains additional chemicals beyond nicotine
What Do Experts Say?
Here's a summary of what leading health organisations advise:
| Organisation | Advice |
|---|---|
| NHS | "We do not know how vaping affects you when you're pregnant or how it will affect your baby." Best to stop vaping |
| ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) | If a pregnant woman chooses to vape and it helps her quit smoking, she should be supported to do so |
| NHS Inform Scotland | "Do not continue to smoke tobacco if you vape. This may be more harmful than using either tobacco or vapes alone." |
| Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group | Regular use of vapes or NRT during pregnancy does not appear to be associated with adverse effects. Support pregnant women who use vaping to quit smoking |
What Should You Do If You're Currently Vaping or Smoking?
If you're pregnant and currently vaping or smoking, the most important thing is to talk to your midwife or GP. They won't judge you — they understand that nicotine is highly addictive and that quitting is hard.
Here's a simple step-by-step plan:
- Be honest with your healthcare provider. Tell your midwife or GP that you vape or smoke. This helps them provide the right support.
- Ask about NHS Stop Smoking services. These are free and specifically designed to support pregnant women. Your chance of quitting is three times higher with the help of a stop smoking adviser.
- Explore NRT options. Patches, gum, and lozenges are safe and can help manage cravings.
- Consider behavioural support. Talking therapies, quit plans, and one-to-one support can make a real difference.
- Involve your partner or family. Second-hand smoke and vapour can also affect your baby. Support from those around you makes quitting easier.
There's help available for your partner and family members too. Ask your midwife to refer you to local services.
📞 Where to Get Help
- NHS Stop Smoking Services: Free support for pregnant women — ask your midwife for a referral
- Quit Your Way Scotland: 0800 84 84 84 (free helpline)
- NHS Smokefree: nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking
- Your midwife or GP: They can refer you to local services and provide NRT prescriptions
Support for Partners and Family Members
Quitting nicotine is hard — and it's easier when you have support. If your partner or someone in your household vapes or smokes, they can also access help. This benefits everyone, as second‑hand smoke and vapour can also affect your baby.
You can ask your midwife to refer family members to stop smoking services too. A smoke‑free home and car give your baby the best start.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it safe to vape during pregnancy?
No. Health experts, including the NHS, advise against vaping during pregnancy because the effects on a developing baby are not fully understood. Nicotine can harm fetal development, and other chemicals in vape aerosol may also pose risks.
Q. Can vaping cause miscarriage?
Smoking during pregnancy is linked to a 32% increase in miscarriage. While direct evidence for vaping is more limited, the presence of nicotine and other chemicals raises similar concerns. The safest option is to avoid both.
Q. Is 0mg nicotine vape safe during pregnancy?
Not necessarily. Even nicotine‑free vapes contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings, and other chemicals. The long‑term effects of inhaling these during pregnancy have not been studied, so caution is advised.
Q. Is vaping while pregnant better than smoking?
Switching from smoking to vaping may reduce some harm from tobacco combustion, but it is not a safe alternative during pregnancy. The NHS recommends using licensed NRT (patches, gum) instead. Do not smoke and vape at the same time — this may be more harmful than using either alone.
Q. What happens if I vape before knowing I'm pregnant?
Many women vape before they know they're pregnant. The most important thing is to stop as soon as you find out and speak to your midwife. They can provide support to help you quit and monitor your baby's development. There's no benefit to continuing, but plenty of reasons to stop.
Q. Can nicotine patches or gum be used during pregnancy?
Yes. Licensed NRT products such as patches and gum are considered safer than smoking or vaping during pregnancy and can be used under medical supervision. They deliver a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke or vape aerosol.
Q. Can I vape while breastfeeding?
Nicotine passes into breast milk and can affect your baby. The NHS advises against vaping while breastfeeding and recommends speaking to your health visitor or GP about safer alternatives.
Q. What does the NHS say about vaping in pregnancy?
The NHS states: "We do not know how vaping affects you when you're pregnant or how it will affect your baby." The recommended approach is to stop vaping and, if you need help, use licensed NRT products.
Q. Is second-hand vapour harmful to my baby?
Second-hand vapour contains nicotine and other chemicals. While less studied than second-hand smoke, it's sensible to avoid exposing your baby or children to any vapour, just as you would avoid smoke. Make your home and car vape‑free.
Q. How can I quit vaping during pregnancy?
You don't have to do it alone. Talk to your midwife or GP, who can refer you to free NHS Stop Smoking services. They can provide NRT, behavioural support, and a quit plan tailored to you. Your chance of quitting is much higher with professional support.
Resources and References
📚 Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- NHS — Smoking and pregnancy (NHS Inform)
- NHS Highland — Vaping and pregnancy
- ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) — Vaping before, during and after pregnancy
- ASH — What does the latest evidence tell us about vaping during pregnancy?
- NHS UK — Vaping to quit smoking
Final Thoughts — What Matters Most
No amount of vaping is considered safe during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when quitting completely is the kindest thing you can do — for yourself and for your baby.
But if you're struggling, please don't feel ashamed or alone. Nicotine is highly addictive, and quitting is genuinely difficult. Your midwife and GP are there to support you, not to judge you. Free NHS services are available, and they work.
Every week of pregnancy counts. Stopping smoking or vaping at any point will improve the oxygen supply to your baby and give them a healthier start. The sooner you stop, the better — but it's never too late to make a change.
