Is smoking an indication for prenatal ultrasonography? RADIUS Study Group

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Smoking during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes.
• Identifying effective interventions to reduce smoking rates in pregnant populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if routine ultrasound screening during pregnancy impacts smoking cessation among women with a history of smoking.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, randomized clinical trial involving pregnant women receiving prenatal care.
• Participants were randomized to routine ultrasound screening or screening only for medical indications.
• Smoking habits were assessed via birth certificate records, measuring cigarettes smoked per day.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in smoking cessation rates was observed between the routine ultrasound screening group and the control group.
• Among women who continued smoking, the mean daily cigarette consumption was slightly higher in the screened group at delivery.

Conclusions:

• Routine ultrasound screening during pregnancy is not an effective strategy for reducing smoking frequency in women with a history of smoking.
• Further research may be needed to explore alternative or adjunct interventions for smoking cessation in this population.