Snus During Pregnancy: Risks and How to Quit Safely

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant and use snus, this is one of the most important articles you'll read. While snus may seem "safer" than smoking (see our guide on is snus safer than smoking), nicotine poses serious risks to your developing baby. Here's what you need to know.

Is Snus Safe During Pregnancy?

No. Snus is not safe during pregnancy. While it doesn't have the smoke and carbon monoxide of cigarettes, the nicotine in snus crosses the placenta and directly affects your baby.

How Nicotine Affects Your Baby

During Pregnancy

• Restricted blood flow: Nicotine constricts blood vessels in the placenta
• Reduced oxygen: Less oxygen reaches the developing baby
• Nutrient restriction: Impaired delivery of nutrients
• Crosses placenta: Nicotine directly reaches the fetus
• Concentrates in fetus: Nicotine levels are higher in fetal blood than maternal blood

Effects on Baby's Development

• Low birth weight: Babies born smaller than expected
• Preterm birth: Increased risk of early delivery
• Brain development: Nicotine affects fetal brain development
• Lung development: May impair lung maturation
• Heart defects: Some studies suggest increased risk

Long-Term Effects on Children

Research suggests prenatal nicotine exposure may contribute to:

• ADHD and attention problems
• Behavioral issues
• Learning difficulties
• Increased risk of obesity
• Higher likelihood of nicotine addiction later in life
• Respiratory problems in childhood

Pregnancy Complications from Snus

• Preterm birth: Significantly increased risk
• Stillbirth: Studies show elevated risk with snus use
• Preeclampsia: Some evidence of increased risk
• Placental problems: Abruption and other issues
• Low birth weight: Well-documented association

Quitting Snus During Pregnancy

The Best Time to Quit

Ideally: Before you become pregnant. But any time is better than continuing:

• Before pregnancy: Baby never exposed to nicotine
• First trimester: Critical development period—quitting helps
• Second trimester: Still significant benefits
• Third trimester: Reduces late-pregnancy risks, helps birth weight

It's never too late—but earlier is better.

Quitting Strategies for Pregnant Women

Cold turkey is often recommended:

• Gets nicotine out of your system fastest
• No ongoing nicotine exposure to baby
• Pregnancy motivation can help you push through

Behavioral strategies:

• Identify and avoid triggers
• Use deep breathing for cravings
• Stay busy and distracted
• Get support from partner, family, healthcare providers
• Remind yourself why you're quitting

What About NRT During Pregnancy?

Nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy is controversial:

Concerns:

• Nicotine still reaches the baby
• Same concerns about fetal nicotine exposure

However:

• NRT may be considered if you can't quit cold turkey
• Lower, controlled nicotine may be better than continued snus use
• Intermittent NRT (gum, lozenge) preferred over patch (constant exposure)
• Use lowest effective dose
• Must be discussed with your healthcare provider

Bottom line: Talk to your doctor. If cold turkey isn't working, supervised NRT may be an option, but nicotine-free is the goal.

Managing Withdrawal While Pregnant

Safe Coping Strategies

• Walking: Safe, reduces cravings, improves mood
• Deep breathing: Calms stress and craving intensity
• Staying hydrated: Water helps with cravings
• Healthy snacks: For oral fixation (avoid excess sugar)
• Prenatal yoga: Relaxation and gentle exercise
• Support groups: Connect with others quitting

What to Avoid

• Varenicline (Chantix): Not recommended during pregnancy
• Bupropion: Generally avoided unless specifically discussed with doctor
• Herbal supplements: Many aren't tested for pregnancy safety

If You're Planning Pregnancy

The ideal scenario:

1. Quit snus before trying to conceive
2. Wait until nicotine is out of your system (3-5 days)
3. Stabilize your quit before getting pregnant
4. Enter pregnancy nicotine-free

Partners: How You Can Help

If your partner is pregnant and trying to quit snus:

• Quit with her: Having snus around makes it harder
• Be supportive: Acknowledge how hard it is
• Don't judge: Addiction is powerful
• Help with triggers: Identify and avoid together
• Encourage healthy alternatives: Go for walks together

After Pregnancy: Breastfeeding

If you quit for pregnancy, stay quit while breastfeeding:

• Nicotine passes into breast milk
• Can affect baby's sleep and behavior
• May reduce milk production
• Your baby deserves nicotine-free milk

Common Questions

"Is snus safer than smoking during pregnancy?"

Neither is safe. While snus lacks carbon monoxide, the nicotine poses serious risks. The goal is nicotine-free, not "less harmful."

"I didn't know I was pregnant and used snus—is my baby okay?"

Many healthy babies are born to women who used nicotine early in pregnancy. What matters now is stopping. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation.

"Can I use one portion a day?"

There is no known safe level of nicotine during pregnancy. Even reduced use still exposes your baby. Complete cessation is the recommendation.

The Bottom Line

Snus is not safe during pregnancy. Nicotine affects your baby's development, increases pregnancy complications, and may have lasting effects on your child's health.

Quitting is hard, but you have powerful motivation: your baby's health. Every hour without snus is an hour of protection for your developing child.

Talk to your healthcare provider about quitting. Get support. You can do this—for yourself and for your baby.