Smoking before, during and after pregnancy in England

Abstract

Separate surveys were conducted among pregnant women (N = 625) and new/recent mothers (N = 550) throughout England. Smoking prevalence among pregnant women was found to be linked to age, social grade, educational attainment, employment status, pregnancy planning and partner's smoking status. Possible links were also detected between smoking prevalence and number of previous pregnancies and number of miscarriages. Among those smoking during pregnancy or within 12 months before pregnancy, there was a greater likelihood of reducing consumption (35 per cent) than giving up altogether (26 per cent). Among those cutting down, consumption decreased from an average rate of 18.2 to 12 cigarettes/day. Thirty-five per cent of pregnant women in the home, and 45 per cent of pregnant women in the workplace, were exposed to passive smoking. Of children whose father or mother smoked, 44 per cent were exposed to passive smoking from their parents. The majority of both samples considered smoking to be dangerous to the foetus (86 per cent of pregnant women) and their newly born child (96 per cent of new/recent mothers) and were aware of passive smoking and its danger. Of the partners of pregnant women, and of new/recent mothers, 39 per cent and 36 per cent respectively were reported to be smokers.