Learning problems. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. As a result, most medical experts recommend refraining from smoking weed during pregnancy. Was rough at first. it's mad. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Prenatal attachment: can this influence future human relationships? Meditation: The Science, Benefits & Precautions, Couple Relationship during Pregnancy: Changes & Challenges, Nutrition during Pregnancy: Brain health & Emotional Wellbeing, Relaxation Methods during Pregnancy & Beyond, Visiting Spa during Pregnancy: A Simple Guide. Babies whose mothers smoke while pregnant or who are exposed to secondhand smoke after birth have weaker lungs than other babies, which increases the risk for many health problems. Therefore, oxygen deficiency leads to growth restriction, This in return causes frequent urination, bloating and even constipation. 4 Smoking doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Even babies who are born full-term may be born too small if their mom smoked during pregnancy. Five of the participants had smoked during pregnancy. Am J Epidemiol. I am not a smoker but I ve known many people who have tried and failed over and over to kick the addiction. Cigarette smoke contains compounds similar to coal tar, an ancient remedy of eczema. I was disgusted and really wanted to say something but I didn't. Smoking during pregnancy can impair your childs health for years to come. Two days after I quit my bf read and quit. Sprinkler Cutting Tool, BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Welcome Pregnancy Wellbeing Workshop (One Day), NURTURE your DREAM: A Holistic Perspective on Wellbeing during Pregnancy, Psychological changes during pregnancy: An emotional Upheaval, Stress during pregnancy: myths and scientific facts, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG): Impact on Emotional Health and Wellbeing, Insomnia during pregnancy: important facts you need to know, Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Impact on the emotional wellbeing during pregnancy, Exercise during pregnancy: key to health and wellbeing, Pregnancy Pilates: key things you need to know if you are pregnant, Reflexology for supporting the Maternity Journey. Death early in life (twice the risk of babies born to nonsmoking mothers), mainly because of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Both babies whose mothers smoke while pregnant and babies who are exposed to secondhand smoke after birth are more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than babies who are not exposed to cigarette smoke. If youre not sure if youre pregnant and experience cramping along with nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and spotting, make sure to take a pregnancy test. That being said I did quit. CO attaches to Hb more readily than oxygen. Vintage Cotton Nightgowns, Smoking while pregnant can create many risks to an unborn or newborn baby. Smoking while pregnant will: Lower the amount of oxygen available to you and your growing baby. Long-term health risks After the baby comes home, infants younger than 2 who live with a smoker are at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Postnatal depression in dads: a real illness or media hype? A new study adds to evidence that women who smoke during pregnancy have a lower risk of a complication called preeclampsia -- in findings that may help shed light on how the condition arises. [Cigarette icon with a no symbol (red . Unexplained fatigue and dizziness: Hormonal changes during early pregnancy cause anxiety and stress. I'm saying this because I have been pregnant and have kids already to know that quitting now is so important. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are asking if we agree that smoking during pregnancy places the foetus at risk then obviously the evidence shows that is the case. Other studies reported that light smoking during late pregnancy (the second or third trimester) was significantly associated with shorter gestational age [16,18]. It is estimated Smoking can cause your baby to be born too early or weigh less at birth. How Objects Are Stored In Memory In Python, Get counseling. I for all the world looked heavily pregnant when I had Diastasis recti and even had seats offered to me on public transport. Smoking While Pregnant. You wouldn't want to be visiting anyone in a maternity hospital!! So quitting is a really important step to take now. Not every woman is having a much wanted planned baby and enjoying good mental emotional well-being. I just found it in the group section of the app if I can figure out how to link it I will! Many women who smoke will quit by themselves before becoming pregnant and others will stop once their pregnancy is confirmed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dealing appropriately with nicotine withdrawal symptoms is very important for the long Furthermore, the active compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana can cross the placenta and reach your baby, negatively affecting their health. Not *** worth it. Below are the effects of smoking during pregnancy (3) Preterm labor and Low birth weight- Smoking during pregnancy slows the growth of the baby before it is born. Some pregnant women use marijuana, and researchers are still unsure how the drug can affect a fetus. I was in a ward with much younger mothers who smoked, I think it is so wrong on all accounts but I have to say these women were lovely women, I have kept in touch with one and she is a fantastic mother. It also increases your baby's risk for SIDS. While U.S. smoking rates declined from 42.4% to 13.9% between 1965 and 2017, the emergence of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has shifted many smokers to vaping including pregnant women. ACOG. I read it and quit and never had any withdrawals. Nicotine in the cigarette smoke has some mood elevation The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Wash your clothes, bedding, and towels to remove cigarette smells that may be triggering. You should always discuss this symptom with your doctor or This new report sets out a number of recommendations needed to make every pregnancy smokefree. According to data collected from 29 states by the 2008 Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System, Of women who smoked three months before pregnancy, 45 percent quit during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a womans progesterone levels will rise and this can cause her A shortage of oxygen can have devastating effects on your baby's growth and development. Chat to other parents & parents-to-be about the journey from bump to baby and healthy pregnancies. Increase your . The more exposure to cigarette smoke that a person has during pregnancy, the greater the chance for preterm delivery and the earlier the baby may be born. On smoking in pregnancy the statistics show that just under 11% of pregnant women were known to be smokers at the time of delivery in 2018-19. People may get lucky but then again the chances you take can cause life altering changes. That said it can't be easy to kick the habit or any habit for that matter so who I am to say anything but just respect everyone doesn't want to be near people who smoke and be left with a stench of smoke of your belongings. Wonton Wrappers Safeway Aisle, I had very bad morning sickness but still persevered so the baby would be ok. How Objects Are Stored In Memory In Python, Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are especially vulnerable to asthma. Carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke can keep the developing baby from getting enough oxygen. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you need help quitting. Are cycling and playing tennis safe in pregnancy? I was one of those ultra healthy women when I was pregnant. I'm not a smoker, but I work in a NICU. He was a hardcore pack a day smoker and quit - I honestly thought he never would. This the first time I take 3 big sip on the aloe vera juice and after drinking it, I research on google if its Hi mums, I'm new to this forum and like many of you, I'm here to vent a bit. used during pregnancy. Studies have shown that Here are more steps you can take to have a healthy pregnancy. Also i just read what minda said to you and she was a bit nice she was pure nasty to me i dont need it, Thats made me really upset i know its awful and im going to get gum,lollies whatever it takes im very grouchy today becaus of pregnancy and im taking it out on everyone around me thanks 4 advice. Just one cigarette is shown to increase your health risk. For some women, however, considerable help is needed to stop smoking successfully (NCSCT 2018). In men, smoking can damage sperm and contribute to impotence. Incentives work. Both my sister and brother are cognitively delayed due to complications at birth, caused directly by smoking. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. used smoking 1-5 cigarettes per day to define light smoking and showed that infants born to mothers who smoked a low dose of cigarettes per day were at a marginally reduced risk of major . This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I would sort it without being 'told of.' bupropion) to be used during pregnancy. Some people are selfish and doesn't change. Nicotine - E-cigarettes contain nicotine which is highly addictive 2; Lung damage 17, 18 - Read about the potential damage to the lungs from vaping; Poison - Nicotine vaping liquid can be poisonous within a few minutes of contact to an . Spotting during third trimester. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Smoking Cigarettes During Pregnancy: Is It Ever Safe? Although the earlier smoking is stopped the better, it is never too late to quit smoking. Recent Posts; BabyandBump. Smoking during pregnancy can cause problems for your child in later life. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Karen Miles is a writer and an expert on pregnancy and parenting who has contributed to BabyCenter for more than 20 years. Hang in there. Your healthcare provider will help you make decisions about prenatal genetic testing, manage your pregnancy weight gain, and cope with any pregnancy complications. A pregnant woman i know told me she was actually told by her GP that she may as well smoke one or two a day as the stress of trying to quit was probably doing more harm than the smoking.. Wonton Wrappers Safeway Aisle, Try and replace every other cigarette for an orange or something. Pregnancy advice, tips, information and support. I was a heavy smoker until I got pregnant. Good luck! Alcohol passes from your body to your baby through the placenta. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking during pregnancy causes an increased risk of a variety of issues, including: miscarriage placenta problems premature. Start by getting answers to the most common questions about Patients considered light smokers, who self report smoking less than pack The best time to quit smoking is before you get pregnant, but quitting at any time during pregnancy can help your baby get a better start on life. It would be better if every pregnant woman took good care of her health and stopped drinking alcohol, smoking, avoided all risks but I don't know that woman's life situation so I don't know if she is selfish to smoke or not. 2009; 11: 211-219. Smoking during pregnancy carries significant risks for you and your baby, even if you only smoke one cigarette a day. Tobacco and Pregnancy (Text Version) Smoking during pregnancy is dangerous for you and your fetus. 2009. Reply Quote Posted : 06/03/2018 9:57 pm siobhanor ( @siobhanor) Treat yourself to dinner out, a new book, or a massage or manicure. Home Forums Pregnancy Forums Pregnancy - Second Trimester. Reward yourself for milestones you reach (a week or month without smoking, for example). Chronic use of tobacco causes addiction through a process The two ultimate pregnancy symptoms are a missed period and a positive pregnancy test. Studies have shown that nicotine can activate the nicotine-acetylcholine receptor in the fetal brain. Have you smoked much? Although a low-lying placenta most often moves during your pregnancy, placenta previa requires closer monitoring. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. The risks of smoking during pregnancy include serious problems for you and your baby. Transitions into and out of light and intermittent smoking during emerging adulthood. passive smoking, lactose intolerance, leakage of CO from home gas appliances, Explain about the health benefits of stopping for the woman and her baby. Therefore, they are relatively safer than cigarette smoking. Now 25 weeks with a healthy baby boy! Patches could be particularly helpful in the presence of nausea/ vomiting in pregnancy. She smoked during the pregnancy. Limit yourself to like 5 a day and then cut down to 4, 3, 2 etc Some of my friends never cut down or even tried to quit and everything turned out fine thankfully! They can make sure your bleeding is not caused by a problem with your pregnancy or an underlying condition. I needed to, sometimes for motivation, sometimes for meditation and definitely to combat anxiety. Specifically, the pooled ORs of light smoking and heavy smoking during pregnancy for GDM were 1.10 (95% CI: 0.97-1.25) and 1.02 (95% CI: 0.67-1.53), respectively. of smoking during pregnancy are as follows: Stillbirth and early neonatal death (One-third of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths could be related to smoking. While drinking during pregnancy should not be encouraged, there is little evidence to suggest that an occasional drink or light drinking by the mother is harmful, the study said. I would cut down gradually over the next few weeks if you can, don't stress too much and keep hydrated. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. 5), smoking during pregnancy is still prevalent in many countries. Talk with your partner, friends, and family about your plan for quitting. It disgusts me to see people doing this. The pregnancy and labour were the easiest parts of motherhood for me. Babies born too small or too early are not as healthy. For some women, considerable help is needed to stop smoking successfully (NCSCT 2018). Group Leaders communicate with staff moderators and escalate potential violations for review, but they dont moderate discussions. think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. Make a plan. Spotting during pregnancy is a common concern that many pregnant women face. Smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of: A low-birth-weight baby. Try gum, lollipops, healthy snacks to keep you occupied and try to develop a new good habit to take the place of the cigarettes once the urge comes on. Nicotine and carbon monoxide two of the most dangerous compounds in cigarette smoke work together to reduce your baby's supply of oxygen. I'm sorry I don't have any really good quitting advice. symptoms, such as anxiety and irritability. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Horrified .. drinking and smoking. Smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of: A low-birth-weight baby. One in every five babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy has low birth weight. In the U.S., there are an estimated 42 million people (nearly 18% of the total population) who currently smoke 1. Even people who averaged less than one cigarette per day over their entire lives were 64% more likely to die early than people whod never smoked, a study found. 1998 Jan 15;147(2):117-26. hi!! light smoking during pregnancy forum light smoking during pregnancy forum By on July 1, 2021 A new study adds to evidence that women who smoke during pregnancy have a lower risk of a complication called preeclampsia -- in findings that may help shed light on how the condition arises. Im almost 40 and first time mum.and struggling. I smoked for 16 years and quit cold turkey a few days before I tested positive because I had a feeling I was pregnant. it is not illegal nor is it my place to judge anyone for their life decisions. pregnancy commence smoking again after the childbirth. Quit cold turkey at 4 weeks and never looked back. 20:183-187, 1975 Mothers of "hyperkinetic" children were found to smoke an average of 14 cigarettes during pregnancy compared to only 6 cigarettes smoked on average for mothers of "normal" children. I see a lot of babies withdraw from nicotine and that's pretty hard for parents to watch. In 1998, 12 percent of babies born to smokers The causes of light spotting during pregnancy can be due to Breakthrough bleeding, Implantation bleeding Fact: Quitting smoking doesnt put extra stress on On average, smoking during pregnancy doubles the chances that a baby will be born too early or weigh less than 5 1/2 pounds at birth. But the guilt absolutely kills me so I will try vaping this month to replace it. There is no safe level or The full effects of vaping and vaping while pregnant are still being investigated but the following are a list of the current known side effects:. What are the risks of smoking during pregnancy? My cousin smoked with both her boys and now they both have terrible asthma and bad allergies. Smoking increases your risk of a miscarriage and other health problems during your pregnancy. I know it seems crazy but it changed my life and turned quitting smoking from a horrific thing I was dreading into something easy and painless. The NHS strongly advises women not to smoke during pregnancy, outlining that the 4,000 chemicals in a cigarette harms an unborn baby and restricts their essential oxygen supply. Smoking is detrimental during entire pregnancy in any What happens if you smoke in early pregnancy? I hope you can cut down or quit! I remember at the time researching why smoking is bad for your unborn baby and all I could find was that it was linked to low birth rate. The day I found out I didn't pick up another. I know 2 people who smoked throughout their pregnancy one her baby has had 12 throat surgeries due to damage from cigarettes. It is estimated that in the general population, electronic cigarettes carry about 5% of the risk of tobacco smoking. There's no safe amount of cigarette smoke during pregnancy, so the sooner you quit the better. Dietary sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry and fish. The baby was very unwell at birth and it was touch and go for the first week. Disgusting is subjective. Well cigarettes cause cancer so I would say it's very harmful but yes I have also heard its stressful to stop all at once. I honestly do not know if this was true or whether she just made it up so people let her off the fact she was having a puff while 6 months pregnant! This is thought to be the cause behind ADHD and learning Specifically, smoking around the time of conception increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy , and continued smoking can up the chances of a wide variety of pregnancy complications , including abnormal implantation or premature detachment of the placenta, premature rupture of the Bleeding that occurs early in pregnancy is usually lighter in flow than a menstrual period. Which vitamin supplements should be taken in pregnancy? Read Allen Carr's "Easy Way to Quit Smoking". If your child is exposed to secondhand smoke, their risk of coughs and chest colds, bronchitis and pneumonia, ear infections, and asthma attacks and wheezing problems are increased. However, pregnant women should be reassured that it is Smoking during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, don't smoke and stay away from secondhand and thirdhand smoke. Tobacco and nicotine cessation during pregnancy. So happy to be off them. Moreover, the long-term impact of smoking during Your baby will grow better. is more likely to be born underweight. On our forum, amy17, experienced a chemical pregnancy. This can put both you and your baby in danger. For free help, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). Thank you i do appreciate your oppion and understand becuase i would prob say the same but prob not as harsh im now a non smoker not gonna touch a fag for the next 9 months..im going shops soon to get some lollies & gum and lots of food so i wont smoke ive also got this other technique where u put a band on ur wrist everytime u want a fag u ping it and t god damn hurts so i wont want one. All rights reserved. The incidence of smoking during pregnancy varies As a result, there are less Hb carrying oxygen in the system. Because of its effects on estrogen and other hormones, smoking lowers a woman's chance of conceiving during any particular cycle by about 40 percent. Ate a lot. Lots of studies have shown that cigarette smoke isn't good for a fetus. It's all in people's head, people get mildly irritated and the rumour mill begins and now people have bad withdrawals because they think they will. To receive email updates about Smoking & Tobacco Use, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. Raise your question or find answers in existing discussions. The Truth: An Uncomfortable Book About Relationships Pdf, Fix yourself healthy snacks such as baby carrots or celery sticks to reach for instead of a cigarette. I'm a former smoker of 6 years. You may want to get your car's interior cleaned, too. Long-term effects of smoking while pregnant, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, steps you can take to have a healthy pregnancy. Findings: Smoking was discussed at length during interviews, and this paper focuses on this issue alone. This is available in various forms such as patches, gum, nasal spray etc. My mum smokes with both me and my brother and we are perfectly healthy. A Word From Verywell The poor innocent baby. Children of pregnant smokers are at higher risk of learning disorders and behavioral problems, and may have lower IQs. Smoking during pregnancy carries significant risks for you and your baby, even if you only smoke one cigarette a day. Approximately 20% of women report they experience spotting during their first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Learn more about spotting and when During pregnancy, you need 27 milligrams of iron a day. Many nicotine replacement products are available over-the-counter. Discussion in 'Pregnancy - Second Trimester' started by AndreaBat, Mar 6, 2011. There are a few people there for good support. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(19)30381-3/fulltext [Accessed July 2021], Polakowski, LL et al. 2019. I may not have much for fingernails but I'd rather have that habit than smoking while prego. This can disrupt the release and function of the neurotransmitters in the brain. But I just thought how could you do that to your unborn child?! Required fields are marked *. and from the polluted air. If you use cigarettes or e-cigarettes, now is the time to quit. It can also reduce the levels of oxygen in your body and result in breathing problems. concern as this could lead to many pregnancy complications. It is recommended in the UK that all pregnant women (even if they do not give a history of smoking) are offered a CO test at the first Antenatal visit (the booking visit) and at regular intervals during pregnancy and postpartum. Information should be available in a variety of formats. When pregnant women drink heavily and regularly, it can cause a range of life-long issues affecting between 1 and 2 percent of children. My friend also smoked through her pregnancy with twins and both have asthma also and is constantly get pneumonia. Everywhere we look, were bombarded with messages about how dangerous smoking can be. As in, If we have sex now, well get pregnant. Eh, why not.. I did everything right when pregnant with dd1 , I even gave up coffee my biggest vice. I rarely drink when i am not pregnant but crave it constantly when pregnant. Quitting smoking could be easier said than done for many and If your baby's growth is stunted by your smoking while pregnant, their lungs may not be ready to work on their own, which means they may spend their first days or weeks on a respirator in the NICU. About Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes), Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults, Menthol Tobacco Products are a Public Health Problem, Menthol Smoking and Related Health Disparities, Unfair and Unjust Practices and Conditions, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander People, Commercial Tobacco Product Use and Behavioral Health Conditions can Affect Each Other, Surgeon General's Reports on Smoking and Tobacco Use, 2016 SGRE-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults, Alaska Native Adult Tobacco Survey Guidance Manual, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR), Patient Care Settings and Smoking Cessation, Clinical Interventions to Treat Tobacco Use and Dependence Among Adults, Quitlines and Other Cessation Support Resources, Promising Policies And Practices To Address Tobacco Use By Persons With Mental And Substance Use Disorders, Tobacco Ingredient and Nicotine Reporting, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Increased Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate Risk. I agree with siobhanor though we don't know the lady or her circumstances. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. You can't judge another person's situation based on passing them by on the street. I would say it's very bad for your baby. He was conceived after a long night of drinking and smoking out at one of the citys private clubs, where you could still smoke, because I This might include those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, those who are smoking later in pregnancy, and those who have been unsuccessful in a previous attempt to stop smoking. Go to the smoking board. in different parts of the world. I don't smoke myself but might have the odd one with a drink every now and again but how could someone be so selfish. Tobacco smoke also contains other chemicals that can harm unborn babies. 2020. Due to depression and anxiety i was told by my doctor not to quit cold turkey as it would be to much strain and stress on me and my baby ( he also said even if I didn't have depression or anxiety he would have said the same) yes to the rest of you who are passing judgment i am disappointed in myself. 2019. So quitting is a really important step to take now. In early pregnancy, you may experience short cramps in your lower abdomen. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Intellectual Function Unlike children with FAS, who fre-quently have reduced IQ scores, non-FAS alcohol-exposed children do not necessarily demonstrate IQ deficits (e.g., Goldschmidt et al. Smoked 7 years prior. Smoking in pregnancy poses a significant health problem for both mother and baby. Foodborne infections in pregnancy: Salmonella & Toxoplasma, Listening to music during pregnancy: Myths and Facts, Safe use of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products during Pregnancy, Sleeping on the side can reduce stillbirth risk, Stress during pregnancy due to financial challenges, Having a better work-life balance during pregnancy. You can revoke your consent any time using the revoke consent button. A smoker's body is especially sensitive to the first doses of nicotine each day, and even just one or two cigarettes will significantly tighten blood vessels. The Truth: An Uncomfortable Book About Relationships Pdf, E-cigarettes aren't safe during pregnancy, either. Same for people who smoke with their kids in the car or smoke while walking down the road with a pushchair. Daughters whose mothers were Light and Heavier smokers in early pregnancy Many women who smoke will quit by themselves before becoming pregnant and others will stop once their pregnancy is confirmed. Prenatal smoking cessation and the risk of delivering preterm and small-for-gestational-age newborns. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. They debunked that years ago. This time around I have cut down immensely (harder to quit as I'm working and everyone and their dog smokes and it's a stressful job and I use them as a crutch for my anxiety) so I smoke 3-5 a day rather than the pack I used to. This is similar to the level recorded in Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy. Her favorite gig of all is being "Mama Karen" to four grown children and "Nana" to nine grandkids. She says, Last week I had 4 faint positives, there was 100% a pink line there, even my OH was convinced I was pregnant from the test! compared to those without depression. Stress, hormonal changes, early signs of menopause and yes, pregnancy. Note that the newborn may go through nicotine withdrawal, which can lead to trouble sleeping, eating disorders, and irritability. If a craving strikes, try taking ten deep breaths while the craving passes. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Or can you tell me how to find it? Its broke my heart walking past all the heavily pregnant smokers on my way to neo-natel every day!! A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group.