Tobacco and pregnancy

In Canada, the 1990s have been marked by a rise in public awareness regarding the harmful effects of tobacco on health, and by the emergence of studies and laws about the use and price of cigarettes.

The Report on Smoking in Canada¹ reveals that, from 1985 to 2001, the prevalence of daily smokers declined significantly among both sexes and in all age groups: the population of smokers 15 years and older decreased from 35.1% of the total population to 21.7%.

Nonetheless, smokers are still predominantly young, in their early reproductive years. This fact is far from trivial since chronic exposure to cigarette smoke during the fetal period significantly increases the risk of physical and mental health problems.

Indeed, while the devastating effects of tobacco on the health of adults are well known, its effects on children are proving to be troubling, especially when exposure to tobacco smoke starts during the fetal period.

Results from the National Longitudinal Study on Children and Youth (NLSCY)² indicate that 23.3% of Canadian women smoke during pregnancy. Of these women, 84% smoke throughout pregnancy. Rates of daily tobacco use among pregnant women break down as follows: 65% smoke between 1 and 10 cigarettes a day; 34% smoke between 11 and 25 cigarettes; 1% smoke more than 25 cigarettes.

A CEECD poll on the perceptions of tobacco use among pregnant women shows that the Canadian population is not aware of the number of pregnant women who smoke. Although there is some public awareness around the negative effects of smoking on the birthweight of babies, most people still appear to discount the long-term ravages of fetal exposure to tobacco smoke on the physical and mental health of children.

References

See also...

• What do we know?
• What can be done?
• According to experts
• Key messages