Vaping fluids with or without nicotine can harm a developing pregnancy. This includes the use of e-cigarettes, which are marketed as an alternative to traditional tobacco products, and vaping THC, CBD, or other cannabis extracts.

Vaping during pregnancy is not safe.

Although there is a perception that vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes or cannabis products, the evidence suggests that it can still pose significant risks.

Infrequent or one-time vaping might not have as severe effects as regular use, but it’s still best to avoid vaping altogether.

When you vape nicotine or smoke cigarettes while pregnant, the nicotine can cross the placental barrier and affect fetal development.

Recent research shows that using e-cigarettes while pregnant can lead to:

  • increased systemic inflammation
  • preterm birth
  • limited/slow fetal growth

In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes often contain flavors and preservatives that can increase your risk of complications or other adverse effects.

One 2023 study looked at vaping during pregnancy in the United States. It found that mint and menthol-flavored e-cigarette fluids were associated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss (miscarriage or stillbirth).

It’s also important to be wary of diacetyl, a chemical that gives vape fluids a buttery or creamy flavor. Diacetyl is associated with bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly known as popcorn lung.

E-cigarettes may contain other chemicals, including propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, that produce toxic byproducts when vaporized.

It is unclear how these chemical compounds affect a developing pregnancy, but they can contribute to overall inflammation.

Yes. As with consuming nicotine via cigarettes or other delivery methods, using e-cigarettes during pregnancy can lead to several adverse effects after delivery.

Nicotine exposure can cause:

  • low birth weight, which is associated with a higher risk of infections, delayed development, and other health complications
  • respiratory infections
  • long-term respiratory problems, such as asthma
  • neurocognitive disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities

It’s unclear how flavorings, additives, and the other chemicals in vape liquids can affect a newborn’s health.

While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, they still have several health risks — especially during pregnancy.

E-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, but they still contain nicotine, which is both addictive and harmful to a developing pregnancy. E-cigarettes also contain other additives, including flavorings, that can be dangerous.

Additionally, e-cigarettes are still not as tightly regulated as conventional cigarettes and other tobacco products. This lack of standardization increases the potential for harm.

Safety-wise, the risks of using e-cigarettes and NRT during pregnancy are similar, according to 2022 research.

That is to say that both e-cigarettes and NRT can be harmful to the developing pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) warns that any products containing nicotine, including NRT (like nicotine patches or gum), should be avoided during pregnancy if possible.

However, e-cigarettes may be better for people who are struggling to quit smoking altogether.

Recent research compared pregnant participants who were trying to quit cigarettes using NRT and e-cigarettes. People who used e-cigarettes during pregnancy were more likely to abstain from smoking cigarettes.

If nicotine in e-cigarettes is harmful during pregnancy, what about vaping products that don’t contain nicotine? Nicotine-free vaping products may also contain substances that pose risks.

Vaping THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) during pregnancy

Research says that using cannabis while pregnant may be dangerous as it can affect fetal growth.

The ACOG recommends avoiding cannabis during pregnancy. THC, which is the primary compound in cannabis that causes you to feel intoxicated, can cross the placenta and affect the fetus.

For ethical reasons, there are very few robust studies that examine the effects of cannabis on pregnancy while controlling for factors like other drug use, access to healthcare during pregnancy, and overall health.

For that reason, it’s not clear how THC affects pregnancy — but it’s advised to avoid it.

Vaping CBD (cannabidiol) during pregnancy

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause you to feel intoxicated. This doesn’t automatically make it safe during pregnancy, though.

There’s a lack of research on the safety of using CBD during pregnancy. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using CBD while pregnant or nursing.

Vaping other nicotine-free fluids during pregnancy

Nicotine-free vape fluids may sound like they may be a better choice during pregnancy, but these fluids may contain chemical compounds that pose health risks to the pregnancy.

As mentioned, flavorings can also be harmful during pregnancy.

Even non-flavored, non-nicotine vapes can be dangerous, depending on their contents. For example, when heated, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin can produce toxic byproducts.

Both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vaping pose significant risks to a developing pregnancy. Limiting or abstaining altogether can help reduce the risk of adverse effects.

If you’re pregnant and want to quit vaping, consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your options for cessation. Counseling and support groups may also help you quit.

You can also:

Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.