Eight clinical trials were studied and reviewed in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, looking at smoking cessation with counseling for nearly 3,300 pregnant women.
Of the eight studies, four concluded no difference in smoking cessation rates between pregnant women who received counseling and those who did not. In the other half of the studies, a slightly higher quit rate was noted in women who did receive counseling.
Lead author, Dr. Kristian Filion noted that three out of four expectant mothers continued to smoke whether they received counseling to assist with quitting smoking. "We were a little surprised by the small number of women that remained abstinent and by the small effect of counseling." He told Reuters Health.
Evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapies in pregnant women is limited. More research in this area is needed so that we can better understand the risk-benefit ratio of nicotine replacement therapies in pregnant women.
Director of the Tobacco Research and Treatment Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Dr. Nancy A. Rigotti, agrees that medication should be considered as a viable means to assist pregnant women to quit smoking.
U.S. Public Health Service recommend Wellbutrin and Chantix to assist in smoking cessation, but Rigotti would not suggest pregnant women take Chantix.
There is a concern using any medication in pregnant women, but if a woman continues to smoke, exposing the fetus to nicotine and carbon monoxide, I would argue that it would be safer for her to take the small risk of taking a medication.
Despite public awareness about the dangers of smoking while pregnant, over 13 per cent of American women continue to smoke, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Smoking while pregnant increases a child's risk for premature birth, heart problems, and birth defects including a cleft lip or palate. Infants born prematurely are at risk of Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities, and many lung function problems including infections, pneumonia, and long-term oxygen use.
Quitting smoking prior to pregnancy is best. If a woman becomes pregnant without quitting, the earlier in her pregnancy she quits, the better off the child will be. Reducing the number of cigarettes smoked is a healthier choice than continuing to smoke, but quitting smoking remains the recommended course of action by physicians.
If you are unable to quit smoking while pregnant, be honest with your physician about your struggles with cessation. An honest overall picture will help ensure quality care for your unborn child.
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