Just one cigarette a day during pregnancy increases the risk of serious problems in the newborn

in collaboration with

Alice Denoize (tobacco specialist)

We already knew that smoking during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight and restricted growth of the baby. But according to a new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health This August, even just one cigarette a day, before or during pregnancy, can lead to serious health problems in the newborn, such as sepsis, respiratory problems or even epilepsy.

Smoking linked to birth problems

To arrive at this conclusion, the American researchers relied on national data from birth certificates from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) of the United States from 2016 to 2019, to observe more than 12 million mother-child pairs. Among them, the studies focused on women who reported having smoked before pregnancy, at the beginning, in the second, or even in the third trimester, and on the number of cigarettes smoked.

With one stark result: smoking before pregnancy or during any of the three trimesters of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of major neonatal health problems.

• The risk of developing several major neonatal health problems is 27% higher if the mother smokes before pregnancy;
• It was 31 to 32 percent higher if she smoked at any time while pregnant.

One to two cigarettes a day, low but already harmful

Even light smoking (1 to 2 cigarettes per day) was associated with an increased risk of major health problems in the newborn.

• Among mothers who smoked 1 to 2 cigarettes per day before pregnancy, the risk was 16% higher, (rising to 31% higher if they smoked 20 or more cigarettes per day).
• The risk of admission to intensive care for their newborn was 13% higher with daily consumption of 1 to 2 cigarettes (increasing to 29% higher for 20 or more cigarettes.)

The study has the merit of focusing on the timing and intensity of maternal smoking, which are never trivial.

The difficult balance between necessary cessation and addiction

This study supports it once again: it is therefore necessary to stop smoking during pregnancy, or better still, before. A dilemma that is less simple than it seems for women addicted to tobacco, but not impossible.

According to Alice Denoize, tobaccologist and smoking cessation coach, the message is being understood at an increasingly early age: “For my part, I am receiving more and more smokers with a baby project, that is, before conception, proof that awareness is there.”

But for pregnant women the fight is not easy to wage.Ideally, we would all like these women to stop (them first). But many still receive advice from the medical profession such as ‘it’s better to smoke a little than to stress during pregnancy’, or alarmist and guilt-inducing speeches as soon as they stick to their patch or their vape’ to wean themselves off”, supports the expert.

Provide the best possible support during this period

However, solutions exist, at any time during pregnancy and even before.

Before pregnancy, the protocol does not differ from any other time: it involves assessing and taking into account physical dependence, initiating support through behavioral and cognitive therapy, and dealing with the facets of addiction.

During pregnancy, care is also possible”but more monitored”. A consultation is offered, and substitutes such as 16-hour nicotine patches are used, as are e-cigarettes, which are not ideal but can help limit the effects and avoid withdrawal symptoms.Of course we would like to say don’t smoke, eat organic, live in the countryside, but addiction weakens. What we need to see above all is what it is possible to do or not.”

Finally, as a loved one, there is no point in getting upset and repeating endlessly “you have to stop”, “The woman who smokes is the first to be aware of it”, Alice Denoize recalls. The best thing? Supporting her in her efforts to move forward over time.

Slideshow: Our solutions to quit smoking naturally