A smoking cessation plan for pregnant women

Women continue to smoke during pregnancy for many reasons. Successful smoking cessation requires a comprehensive treatment approach. The proposed plan described in this article incorporates training for care providers; life skills support for clients; and ongoing, brief interventions. Prenatal visits provide the opportunity for these interventions. A smoking flow chart is used to facilitate continuity of message and consistent charting. Support for life skills, such as stress management, assertiveness, self-esteem, and role clarification, is integral to disrupting the cycle of addiction. Motivation of staff and smokers may be the nurse's most significant challenge. Further research into physiologic support, such as nicotine replacement, is recommended.