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Published on: February 28, 2025
Prenatal weight gain following smoking cessation
Ana L Favaretto1, Bruce B Duncan, Sotero S Mengue
1Graduate Studies Program in Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. anlenise@terra.com.br
Summary
Reducing smoking during pregnancy is linked to increased maternal weight gain. Even decreasing cigarette quantity is associated with greater weight gain for expectant mothers.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Maternal weight gain during pregnancy is a critical factor for both maternal and fetal health.
- Smoking during pregnancy is a significant public health concern with known adverse effects.
- Understanding the relationship between smoking cessation or reduction and maternal weight gain is essential for comprehensive prenatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between changes in smoking habits and maternal weight gain among pregnant women.
- To quantify the impact of smoking cessation and reduction on gestational weight gain.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 4000 pregnant women aged 20 years or older were surveyed about smoking habits.
- Data on smoking status (never, ex-smoker, current smoker, quit during pregnancy) were collected during the second trimester.
- Maternal weight gain was tracked through chart review until term, with analyses adjusted for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Women who quit smoking during pregnancy gained significantly more weight (1.54 kg) compared to never-smokers.
- Continuing smokers who reduced their cigarette intake also experienced greater weight gain, proportional to the reduction.
- For every 10 cigarettes reduced daily, maternal weight gain increased by 0.38 kg.
Conclusions:
- Decreasing smoking quantity during pregnancy, while beneficial for health, is associated with increased maternal weight gain.
- Healthcare providers should consider this association when counseling pregnant smokers on smoking reduction strategies.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying this weight gain and its clinical implications.
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