[Medical support of cessation for pregnant smokers]

Female smokers are most likely to quit using tobacco products during pregnancy. This period is an excellent chance for the health sector to achieve dual - maternal and fetal - health benefits with the professional support of the cessation attempt. In our review, we collected the practicalities of this specific cessation support. This review is based on publications available in the PubMed database as well as domestic and international guidelines and summaries, which were selected based on their practical importance. Quitting smoking during pregnancy is really important for both the foetus and the mother. Reframing the obstetric, neonatal and pediatric complications of smoking during pregnancy positively, and focusing on the benefits of quitting are recommended. Minimal intervention is advised to be complemented with counselling relating to the gestational age, referral to specialised care service and cessation support for the pregnant mother's partner. Non-pharmacological support is the primary recommended therapy for pregnant smokers. If it is not possible, or is unsatisfactory, the use of nicotine replacement therapy may be reasonable. Nicotine replacement therapy for pregnant smokers differs from the general nicotine replacement treatments in the following: use of oral formulations over transdermal nicotine intake; more cautious titration period; shorter treatment duration. Using behaviour interventions is also advised to support smoking cessation during pregnancy. The emphasis is on stress management, emotion regulation, behavioural and biological feedback, self-reward and use of external incentives. These methods are based on the cognitive behavioural therapy model and motivational interviewing techniques. Practical examples are presented in this summary. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(30): 1194-1203.