Elizabeth Riggs, MPH¹, Michele Finn, MBA¹, and Scott D. Berns, MD, MPH². (1) National Office, March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, 914-997-4458, eriggs@marchofdimes.com, (2) Chapter Program Support, March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605

In addition to increasing their risk of adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, women who smoke face substantial reproductive risks as well. The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that 13-22% of US women smoke during pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy is responsible for an estimated 20% of all low birth weight births, 8% of preterm births and 5% of all perinatal deaths.

The March of Dimes implements programs of research, education, advocacy and community services to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Of particular concern is the preterm birth rate, which has increased nearly 29% since 1981. In 2002, 12.1% of US babies were born preterm.

As part of a national campaign to address this alarming increase, March of Dimes chapters in every state are enhancing education and community services for pregnant women and their health care providers. One component of this effort is grants to community-based programs to enhance smoking cessation for pregnant women.

In 2003, March of Dimes chapters provided over $600,000 to support 20 local projects promoting smoking cessation for pregnant women. Grantees and the populations they serve are diverse, including hospitals, health departments, universities and community organizations. Intervention methods include provider training, telephone interventions, mentors and home visiting.

This presentation will share results from these projects and discussion of best practices and lessons learned. Implications for the design and implementation for similar smoking cessation programs will also be covered.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify adverse reproductive health outcomes associated with smoking.
• Assess successes and challenges from smoking cessation programs for pregnant women.
• Discuss implications for program development and implementation.

Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Pregnancy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: March of Dimes
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by the March of Dimes