The Use of Smoking Cessation Medications during Pregnancy
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We all know the adverse effects of smoking to the unborn baby. Many smokers out there really try their best to cut down on smoking during pregnancy. Many manage to do it but there are also many who are helpless against the addictive effects of nicotine and can`t therefore quit.
Different smoking cessation medications are currently available on the market. Examples are nicotine replacements such as nicotine patch, nicotine gum and the antidepressant and smoking cessation aid buproprion.
A recent study did a survey of the incidence of use of these medications in 296 pregnant women. The results are as follows:
* 10% of women surveyed used smoking cessation medication during pregnancy. 7.4% used nicotine replacement, 3.4% used buproprion.
* 14.3% also used these medications 3 months after delivery, probably while breastfeeding.
Women who used cessation medications tended to be older, have higher education, have had a previous birth and have discussed the issue with their obstetrician.
Very little research has been done on the side effects of these medications on the fetus. However, there seems to be a general feeling among health care providers that between smoking and cessation medications, the latter is preferable as the lesser of 2 evils.
From my point of view, quitting is still the best strategy. Please try your best – for your baby`s sake.
Source:
Rigotti et al. 2008. Smoking Cessation Medication Use Among Pregnant and Postpartum Smokers. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2008;111:348-355.
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