Nicotine Use During Pregnancy: Cessation and Treatment Strategies.

The use of tobacco and nicotine products during pregnancy is known to increase the risk of adverse effects on the fetus. Increased education and research have resulted in greater rates of smoking cessation during pregnancy, with a decline from 13.2% of pregnant individuals smoking in 2006 to 7.2% in 2016. However, smoking while pregnant still proves to be a prevalent issue that is associated with numerous adverse outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental delays. Smoking cessation before or during pregnancy can help mitigate these effects, but the appropriate treatment can be challenging to ascertain. Accordingly, clinicians should look to provide individualized care composed of behavioral counseling in conjunction with pharmacotherapies when indicated, combined with ongoing support and education.

Duke Scholars

Author Jeffrey Adam Kuller Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Author Sarah K. Dotters-Katz Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine