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[Smoking, the pill and pregnancy]
Schweizerische Rundschau Fur Medizin Praxis = Revue Suisse De Medecine Praxis
|January 31, 1989
Summary
Modern low-dose oral contraceptives are safe for cardiovascular health in women without risk factors. Smoking women over 35 should avoid them due to risks to themselves and their children.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Cardiovascular Health
- Pediatric Health
Context:
- Modern low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) contain less than 50 micrograms of estrogen and gestagens without androgenic activity.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with OCs is influenced by individual risk factors such as age, hypertension, obesity, metabolic disturbances, and smoking.
- Smoking during pregnancy and postpartum poses significant risks to fetal development and child health.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the cardiovascular safety of modern low-dose oral contraceptives.
- To assess the impact of smoking on maternal and child health in relation to oral contraceptive use.
Summary:
- Modern low-dose OCs do not increase cardiovascular disease risk in women without pre-existing risk factors.
- Women over 35 who smoke more than 15 cigarettes daily should use alternative contraception.
- Active and passive smoking during pregnancy and postpartum can lead to intrauterine growth retardation, neurological and psychological issues, respiratory problems, and increased childhood cancer risk.
Impact:
- Provides guidance on safe contraceptive choices for women, particularly smokers over 35.
- Highlights the severe health risks associated with smoking for both mothers and children.
- Emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventive measures regarding smoking exposure in pregnant women and infants.