Loading...
At least 10% of women smoke during pregnancy, raising their risk for delivering low birth weight or premature babies. However, events and health concerns associated with pregnancy can make addressing smoking particularly difficult. Can nicotine-replacement therapy help?
In a randomized trial, researchers assessed use of 2-mg nicotine gum versus placebo gum in 194 pregnant women (mean age, 25; mean gestation at entry, 17 weeks; mean number of cigarettes daily before pregnancy, 18), many of whom were socioeconomically disadvantaged (54% Latina; 50% with less than high school education; 7% on methadone maintenance). Both groups received extensive tobacco counseling (e.g., goal-setting for quit dates and tapering); participants were instructed t…