Vaping During Pregnancy in Northern Wisconsin

The use of electronic cigarettes during pregnancy is an emerging health risk. This study estimated use of electronic cigarettes and associated risk factors in pregnant women in a predominantly rural population.

Surveys on e-cigarette use and sociodemographics, linked to medical records, were administered to women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Participants were Marshfield Clinic Health System patients in northern and central Wisconsin.

There were 391 respondents. The prevalence of e-cigarette use during pregnancy was 5% (95% CI, 2-8). Women who were younger, lower gestational age, unmarried, had lower education, lower income, and lower body mass index were more likely to use e-cigarettes.

Use of e-cigarette in pregnant women in rural Wisconsin was 5 times greater than that observed nationally. Prenatal e-cigarette prevention interventions may need to focus on women who are younger, not married, and with lower education/income.