Environmental tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy

Background: It has been established that environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has adverse effectsduring pregnancy and breastfeeding. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of ETS inpregnant and lactating women.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on ۲۴۵ mothers during pregnancy andbreastfeeding. Information on tobacco exposure was collected at the first visit and secondtrimester. Mothers were follow-up for two years after delivery.Results: Out of ۲۴۵ mothers, ۱۳۱ reported passive smoking. Thirty three percentage of themothers had a diploma degree or less. Approximately, ۴۱% of mothers used hookah and itsderivatives. Mothers who exposed to ETS during pregnancy were more likely to have an infantadmitted to the pediatric ward (۱۳.۹% versus ۴.۳%, p=۰.۰۰۶).Conclusion: Considering pregnancy’s culture and pregnant women's lack of knowledge abouttobacco and its derivatives and being exposed to ETS, the necessity of counseling sessions forpregnant women regarding the adverse effects of ETS should be considered by healthcareproviders during pregnancy.

Keywords:

Smoking , Pregnant Women , Environmental Tobacco Smoke