Urgent need for anti-smoking campaigns to continue after pregnancy

Curtin University research has found that support for mothers to quit smoking should continue even after the birth of their first babies, as many of these women will become pregnant again and that quitting smoking can reduce substantially the risk of future premature births.

He longitudinal study examined the records and stories of 23,540 Australian women with more than one child for 23 years who smoked during the first pregnancy.

The principal investigator, Professor Gavin Pereira of the Curtin Population Health School, said more than a third of women who smoked during pregnancy were able to quit smoking during the next pregnancy.

“Our research found that for more than 30 percent of expectant smoking mothers, smoking could be stopped for future pregnancies and, most importantly, the risk of smoking could be reduced. birth in a subsequent pregnancy up to 26%, ”said Professor Pereira.

“While the benefit of quitting smoking to reduce harm to newborns is well established, the prevalence of maintaining the message of quitting smoking in the next pregnancy and the associated risk of premature birth was less well understood. is what studied our research direction.

“What the study shows is that maintaining the messages of quitting smoking and supporting women who smoked during pregnancy, even after birth, can have a significantly positive outcome for both them and to their later babies “.

Professor Pereira said he was concerned about the number of women who apparently smoked during pregnancy.

“According to the latest figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 75% of smokers continue to smoke after 20 weeks, after discovering that they are pregnant,” said Professor Pereira.

“The file second term it is vital for the growth and formation of babies: the organs continue to develop and the liver, pancreas and kidneys begin to function. Babies also begin to hear sounds, such as their mother’s heartbeat.

“Smoking during this crucial time reduces the oxygen in the body baby to be born and exposes them to a cocktail of chemicals, including those that cause cancer. This could slow growth and development, increase the risk of cleft palate and change the baby’s brain and lungs. “

Although research has shown the need to continue anti-smoking campaigns for those who chose to smoke during early pregnancies, Professor Pereira has urged those who consider having a family, those who are already pregnant or who have given birth. recently to no smoking at all.

“Among mothers who smoked during the first pregnancy, the risk of having one premature birth in her second pregnancy it was 26% lower than those who continued to smoke. “

“Despite to smoke during a first pregnancy, the woman can turn the next pregnancy around to reduce the complications of the fetus. Quitting smoking is possible and is always the safest option. ”