This study compares demographic and health characteristics, pregnancy complications, and birth outcomes for smoking and nonsmoking mothers, using data from birth certificates for 1990 through 1998. Information on smoking is reported by all but four states; data for 1998 are available for 3.1 million births. Smoking during pregnancy has declined for most population groups, but relatively sizeable increases have been found among black and Hispanic teenagers, groups with heretofore low smoking rates. Birth certificate data document substantial variation in smoking levels among racial and ethnic populations. Groups compared include Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, Filipino, American Indian, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic black women. Within these groups, smoking rates differ according to the mother’s place of birth: Smoking is generally much less common among women who were born outside the 50 States. Smoking continues to be extremely prevalent among women who attended but did not complete high school; moreover, these women account for nearly one-third of all smokers. Mothers who smoke are more likely than nonsmokers to gain less than the recommended weight, and are also at greater risk of certain complications and of poor birth outcome. In particular, low birthweight (LBW) is greatly elevated among babies born to smokers, 12 percent, compared with 7 percent for infants born to nonsmokers. The LBW rate is elevated even among babies born to the lightest smokers (1-5 cigarettes daily), 11 percent in 1997 suggesting there is no “safe” level; advancing maternal age exacerbates this risk.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the principal characteristics of women who smoke during pregnancy. 2. Explain the variations in smoking behavior among racial and ethnic groups, and the role of factors such as maternal education and place of birth. 3. Discuss the association of smoking during pregnancy with measures of birth outcome such as low birthweight
Keywords: Smoking, Pregnancy Outcomes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.