Nicotine is what a smoker craves, but it is the other chemicals in cigarette that are dangerous to a growing baby. Carbonmonoxide binds with the red blood cells rather than oxygen, which is why babies of smokers have stunted growth. If you had to choose the lesser of 2 evils, the patches would be better, go for one of the 16 hour patchs, so you have a nicotine free period or choose to use the gum, so you can use it when you need the nicotine hit. I have been told by a smoker that gum is best, as it it will give you the nicotine hit (like cigarettes) rather than a steady dose all day. I'm a none smoker, and all I can suggest is keep trying, if you slip up, get back on the horse, don't give up, keep trying. Best of luck