Reference no: EM133703486

Despite significant population level declines, smoking during pregnancy remains a major\npublic health issue in the United States. Approximately 360,000-500,000 smoke-exposed\ninfants are born yearly, and prenatal smoking remains a leading modifiable cause of poor birth\noutcomes (e.g. birth < 37 gestational weeks, low birth weight, perinatal mortality). Women who\nsmoke during pregnancy are more likely to be younger and from disadvantaged socioeconomic\nand racial and ethnic groups, with some US geographic regions reporting increased prenatal\nsmoking rates since 2000. Such disparities in maternal prenatal smoking suggests some pregnant women face unique barriers to cessation. This paper reviews the current state and future direction of smoking cessation in pregnancy in the US. We briefly discuss the etiology of smoking addiction among women, the pathophysiology and effects of tobacco smoke exposure on pregnant women and their offspring, and the emerging issue of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Current population-based and individual smoking cessation interventions are reviewed in the context of pregnancy and barriers to cessation among US women. Finally, we consider interventions that are on the horizon and areas in need of further investigation.\n\nWhile prenatal smoking rates have declined from 16.3% in 1987 to 8.6% today, significant disparities in smoking exist across geographic regions, and socioeconomic and racial