Posted on Feb 18, 2016
SFC Platoon Sergeant
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Yesterday, I found out a Service member I know is having a high risk pregnancy. She is at the beginning of her second trimester and is already on a limited schedule per doctors orders. Today, I saw the same Soldier in the smoke pit with a lit (nearly consumed) cigarette in her hand.

In that scenario, what would you do?
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Responses: 15
SSG Jesse Cheadle
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I would approach this situation carefully.
1) Whatever you say, do it in private.
2) Encourage the SM to cut back.
3) Encourage the SM to not smoke in the presence of others.
Smoking while pregnant is a situation in and of itself. However, quitting smoking while pregnant can cause undue stress on the mother and baby. I have heard it both ways working with patients. Some doctors will say to quit. Some doctors will say to cut back as much as possible. If she smokes like a freight train then there are certainly some encouraging words that could be offered. If it is limited, I would not say anything. If anything, something to the effect of, "Thanks for not being a heavy smoker." Its a delicate topic either way. I hope this helps.
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
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Nothing, what she is doing is not against any regulation or current policy. She has probably been told a million times what a crappy choice she is making regarding the health of her unborn child. All you can do is to offer the programs available to her and hopes she is able to conquer her addiction.
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Capt Tom Brown
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I would mind my own business and not try to assuage my conscience by saying something gratuitous to her which she has probably already heard a dozen times from everyone and their brother, medics, preachers, priests, superiors, parents, sibs, teachers, etc. She has had many opportunities to make an informed decision one way or the other and will have to live with her decision.
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CPO Donald Crisp
CPO Donald Crisp
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Then again, many may share this same thought and not say a word to her. Education is just that and who knows, it may work.
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PO2 Hospital Corpsman
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Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do as far as I know. Unless they put it in the regulations, she's going to be able to smoke whether she's pregnant or not.
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SGM Erik Marquez
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As has been noted, as a leader, as a peer, senior or subordinate in that situation your obligations are limited to providing information and then if requested assistance to help her with her addiction and unhealthy lifestyle.
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