Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, especially among adults trying to quit. But when you’re expecting, the risks rise significantly.
Many mothers-to-be ask: Can you vape when pregnant?
This guide offers clear, evidence-based answers to help you make safe and informed choices.
The Risks of Nicotine During Pregnancy
Most vape pens—even those labeled as nicotine-free disposable vapes—may still contain small amounts of nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that poses serious risks during pregnancy:
Possible dangers to both mother and baby include:
- Restricted fetal growth due to reduced oxygen and nutrients
- Miscarriage or stillbirth
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Placental complications (e.g., placenta previa, placental abruption)
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure and swelling)
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Cleft lip or cleft palate
- Feeding and settling difficulties
- Hearing issues or chronic ear infections
- Lung, brain, and blood complications (like asthma or pneumonia)
- Long-term cognitive and behavioral problems
Studies also link fetal exposure to tobacco smoke with higher risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and obesity later in life, even if the child never smokes.

Is Any Amount of Vaping Safe While Pregnant?
There is no safe level of smoking or vaping during pregnancy. Every puff releases chemicals that can harm your baby’s development.
Experts strongly advise against using vapes during pregnancy, even as a quitting aid. If you’re trying to conceive or are already pregnant, now is the time to stop entirely.
Experts strongly advise against using vapes during pregnancy, even as a quitting aid. If you’re trying to conceive or are already pregnant, now is the time to stop entirely.
What About Nicotine-Free Vapes?
Some believe 0 nicotine disposable vape are a safer choice, but risks remain:
Chemical exposure: Vape aerosols often contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and heavy metals.
Unknown long-term effects: The full impact of vaping while pregnant is not yet understood, but early research suggests caution is essential.
What Health Experts Say?
Leading health organizations recommend completely avoiding e-cigarettes during pregnancy:
- CDC: Pregnant women should avoid all nicotine products, including e-cigarettes.
- ACOG: Vaping is not a safe substitute for smoking during pregnancy.
- WHO: Strongly discourages e-cigarette use by pregnant individuals due to fetal health risks.
If Your Partner Smokes or Vapes
Even if you don’t vape, exposure to secondhand vape smoke during pregnancy can still harm your baby.
Ask your partner to quit vaping or smoking to protect your child—and their own health.
Vaping vs. Smoking While Pregnant
Some believe switching from smoking to vaping is the “lesser evil.” However, while vaping may expose the fetus to fewer toxins, it’s still not safe.
Health professionals agree: Quitting all forms of nicotine is the best choice for a healthy pregnancy.

After Giving Birth
Avoid returning to smoking or vaping after childbirth. Continuing to stay vape-free protects your baby from health problems.
If you must smoke or vape:
- Never do it near your baby
- Keep your home and car completely smoke-free
- Only visit smoke-free and vape-free environments
- Breastfeeding and Vaping
Vaping while breastfeeding poses serious risks:
- Reduced milk supply
- Nicotine and harmful chemicals can pass into breastmilk
- Can affect your baby’s growth and development
- Risk of burns from overheating or malfunctioning devices
Safer Ways to Quit
If you’re pregnant and struggling with nicotine addiction, talk to your doctor about safer, proven quitting methods:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – Only under medical supervision
- Behavioral counseling
- Quit-smoking support groups
- Mobile apps and digital quit programs
Conclusion
Avoid using refillable or disposable vapes during pregnancy.
Even nicotine-free options can carry serious health risks. No vaping product is considered safe for pregnant women or their unborn babies.
If you’re pregnant and currently vaping—or thinking about it—consult your healthcare provider for safe and effective ways to quit.