[Obstetrical ultrasound screening and motivation to stop smoking]

To evaluate whether ultrasound screening during pregnancy increases the ability to stop or reduce smoking.

This multicenter questionnaire study was performed to describe smoking characteristics among pregnant women and evaluate the factors that influence the ability to reduce smoking during pregnancy. Questionnaire-based, descriptive study of 979 pregnant women in four regions of France. The variables analyzed included the characteristics of the mother and neonate at delivery, the smoking habits of the mother before and during pregnancy, and the reasons for giving up smoking.

We report only results about ultrasound scan. One third of women, who smoked at the start of pregnancy, reported that ultrasound was a positive tool to enhance motivation to reduce smoking.

Ultrasound screening may be a positive factor to reduce smoking. Our study focused on motivation could give a tool in this way. However most women who stop smoking during pregnancy do so in the first trimester (84%) mainly before the first ultrasound exam. Thus, the routine ultrasound scan itself does not seem to influence attitudes to stop smoking any further. But it may be included in comprehensive and individualised anti-smoking support.