by Dr. Jean PhD, MS, CMT, CI, HCT, HC, NLP
It is well established that getting pregnant is more difficult in smokers than in non-smokers. This includes an elevated risk for never becoming pregnant. Although this fact may not be sufficient to motivate one to stop smoking, for others it may help. Smoking leads to a higher risk of miscarriage. Additionally, the carbon monoxide and soot in the smoke stream may cause damage to the unborn baby. Carbon monoxide binds to the hemoglobin molecule outcompeting oxygen. This binding is irreversible limiting the oxygen flow to the unborn baby. The more than 7,000 chemicals (and the more than 70 identified cancer-causing ones) can result in tissue damage in the unborn baby and cancer in the smoker. Targets include, but are not limited to the lung and brain. Additionally, maternal smoke also may result in cleft lip. Unfortunately, smoking increases preterm delivery. Preterm delivery is associated with disability and disease (low birth weight). Prematurity is one of the leading causes of death in newborns. Secondhand smoke leads to a 3-fold increase in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Complications of secondhand smoke in the newborn include weaker lungs and failure to thrive.
a major medical study of pregnant women. -
The data from a smoking cessation study1. that enrolled one of the largest numbers of women during pregnancy were recently reported. Over 1,000 expectant mothers were enrolled and studied until delivery of the newborn baby. Unfortunately, only 5% of the women remained compliant and adherent for more than a month. Perhaps most importantly, no significant difference between the group assigned to the nicotine-replacement group (active treatment) and the placebo group (control – no treatment) was found.
what about relapse? -
Of the women that quit during pregnancy, medical research shows that between 47% and 63% will unfortunately relapse within the first 6 months following birth. The frequency and quality of breast feeding in the newborn is also diminished in relapsing mothers. Overall, most women that give up smoking will relapse within a year. Even after 30 years of abstinence, only 10% will remain non-smokers
since there are many ways to stop smoking, why is cognitive behavioral hypnosis recommended? –
Everyone knows that there are countless ways to stop smoking. Enormous claims of success in stopping smoking are either hearsay or remain unsupported in the medical, biochemical, physiological, and psychological literature. Cognitive behavioral hypnosis is an exception to this rule of thumb. This system of using the subconscious mind to suggest and instill changes in behavior has long been misunderstood and maligned. This neigh saying has occurred in the face of repeated positive results. This negativity is now ending.
a stable, easy, and natural way to stop smoking is needed –
Recent brain imaging evidence reinforces the long-standing empirical evidence that hypnosis impacts perception, symptoms, and habits! The old conclusions of significant outcomes from hypnotherapy are now confirmed by science and medicine as they ”have recently been explained by advanced diagnostic modalities like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)”. David Spiegel2., MD, Director, the Stanford Center on Stress and Health stated in the article published in the American Journal of Medicine that [Hypnosis is….] a powerful means of teaching patients how to control mind and body. The ability to enter into hypnosis, termed hypnotizability, is a stable trait possessed by most people, which can be entered into or terminated by the patient. These new medical and brain imaging studies show that hypnosis is a powerful tool in changing unhealthy habits to healthy behaviors. The time to stop smoking is now before more newborns and families are adversely affected.
• 1. Coleman T., Cooper S., Thornton J.G., Grainge MJ, Watts K., Britton J., and Lewis S. A randomized trial of nicotine-replacement therapy patches in pregnancy. N Engl J Med 2012;366:808-18.
• 2. Kittle J, Spiegel D. Hypnosis: The Most Effective Treatment You Have Yet to Prescribe. Am J Med. 2021 Mar; 134(3):304-305.
For more information or to schedule an appointment contact Dr. Jean Eljay’s office 484.574.1144 or email Dr. Jean @ drjean@hypnobiosis.com.
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