Trends in smoking during pregnancy, Wisconsin 1990 to 1996

Smoking during pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus. This paper examines trends in smoking during pregnancy in the United States and Wisconsin from 1990-1996. In addition, percentage change in smoking prevalence during pregnancy by selected maternal characteristics and in all Wisconsin counties is compared for the periods 1990-1992 and 1994-1996.

Data from the National Center for Health Statistics and Wisconsin resident birth certificates were compared to examine overall smoking trends for pregnant women from 1990-1996. For Wisconsin, 3-year averages (1990-1992 and 1994-1996) were calculated to provided more stable estimates. The percentage change in smoking prevalence was examined by selected maternal characteristics, such as age, marital status, race, prenatal care and education, and by county of residence.

Smoking rates for pregnant women in the United States have gradually decreased, from 18.4% in 1990 to 13.6% in 1996. From 1990 to 1996, maternal smoking in Wisconsin declined from 22.9% to 18.2% (significant at P < .001). In Wisconsin, smoking rates during pregnancy were higher in both 1990-1992 and 1994-1996 among women who were younger, unmarried, American Indian, or African American; received late or no prenatal care and did not graduate from high school. Out of 72 Wisconsin counties, 63 showed a decrease in smoking rates for pregnant women.

Smoking prevalence during pregnancy in Wisconsin is above the Healthy People 2000 and Wisconsin Public Health Agenda for the Year 2000 goals of less than 10% of women smoking during pregnancy. Public health must continue its initiative to encourage healthy life styles for pregnant women.