Avoid Impairment Safe Sleep Academy Many people think vaping is a safer option during pregnancy. But both smoking and vaping can affect a baby's oxygen, growth, and development. Here are some risks every expecting parent should know.. Vaping may seem safer than smoking, but it's not risk freeespecially for your baby. Nicotine, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals in e cigarettes can affect fetal growth, brain development, and long term health. Even Smoking and Tobacco Use