• Smoking during pregnancy significantly contributes to low birth weight, still births, preterm babies, cot death, birth defects and increased risk of long-term developmental and health problems.
  • Breathing second hand smoke from partners or family members can also lead to low birth weight.
  • Referral to smoking cessation services should be offered.
  • There is a paucity of data on the safety of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). It is therefore best if a pregnant woman can stop smoking using will power or behavioural support therapies rather than NRT. However in some circumstances NRT may be considered less risky than smoking particularly if the woman is a heavy smoker.
  • E cigarettes which do not produce tar and carbon monoxide are likely to be less harmful than smoking. The vapour from E-cigarettes does contain some of the potentially harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, but at much lower levels.

 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 30/09/2021

Next review date: 30/09/2025

Author(s): West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network for Sexual Health Clinical Guidelines Group .

Version: 3.1

Approved By: West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network in Sexual Health