If you’re pregnant—or planning to be—you’re likely getting a flood of advice from all directions. No sushi. No wine. No soft cheese. And definitely no cigarettes. But what about nicotine pouches? They’re tobacco-free, smokeless, and often marketed as a “cleaner” alternative to traditional smoking. So it’s only natural to wonder: Can I use nicotine pouches while pregnant?
The short answer: not really. While they may seem like a safer option on the surface, using nicotine pouches while pregnant still carries risks. And in some cases, the dangers are more serious than many people realize.
Let’s break it down.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Before we dive into the pregnancy risks, here’s a quick refresher. Nicotine pouches—like Zyn—are small, discreet, tobacco-free products you place under your upper lip. They deliver a steady dose of nicotine without smoke, spit, or smell. Many people use them to quit smoking or as a less disruptive way to enjoy nicotine throughout the day.
But while they ditch the tobacco leaf, they still contain nicotine, and that’s where things get tricky when pregnancy is involved.
Why Nicotine Is Risky During Pregnancy
Nicotine is a known stimulant and vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow throughout the body. When you’re pregnant, that reduced oxygen can affect your baby’s development. Using nicotine pouches while pregnant means your baby is exposed to nicotine through the placenta—and that exposure has been linked to a number of health concerns.
According to health organizations like the CDC and Health Canada, nicotine use during pregnancy is associated with:
Low birth weight
Premature birth
Stillbirth
Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Long-term developmental and behavioral issues
Even though nicotine pouches don’t contain the thousands of chemicals found in cigarette smoke, the nicotine alone is enough to pose a real risk to fetal development.
But Aren’t Nicotine Pouches Safer Than Smoking?
It’s true that nicotine pouches are less harmful than smoking overall—especially for people who are trying to quit. They don’t expose you (or those around you) to harmful combustion by-products like carbon monoxide or tar. However, “less harmful” doesn’t mean safe—especially during pregnancy.
Many people assume that switching to pouches is a healthier compromise, but the reality is this: nicotine pouches while pregnant are still risky, even without the smoke. If you’re trying to quit nicotine completely while pregnant, switching to pouches isn’t enough. It’s still exposing your baby to a substance known to interfere with healthy growth and development.
What If You’re Struggling to Quit?
Listen, quitting nicotine is hard—especially if you’re dealing with morning sickness, hormonal changes, and stress on top of it. If you’ve been using nicotine pouches and recently found out you’re pregnant, don’t panic. The most important thing you can do is talk to a healthcare provider.
There are safe, evidence-based options for quitting nicotine during pregnancy, including:
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) under medical supervision
Behavioral counseling or therapy
Support groups or quitline programs
The key is not to go it alone. You deserve support, and your baby deserves the best possible start.
Nicotine Pouches While Pregnant: the Verdict
At first glance, nicotine pouches seem like a cleaner, safer option—especially when compared to smoking. But when it comes to pregnancy, nicotine pouches while pregnant are still a risk. The nicotine itself can harm your baby’s development, regardless of how it’s delivered.
If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, the safest choice is to avoid nicotine entirely including nicotine pouches while pregnant. And if you’re having trouble quitting, reach out to a healthcare provider who can help guide you through it. You’re not alone—and there are better, safer ways to get through the next nine months.