The potential impact of tobacco use on female fertility and pregnancy outcomes: An invited scientific review by EBCOG

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2023 Nov:290:85-87. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.08.384. Epub 2023 Aug 30.

Abstract

Tobacco use in pregnant women remains prevalent with an estimated prevalence of 8.1 % in the European region. In whatever form it is partaken, tobacco use is associated with significant short- and long-term consequences for both the mother and the progeny thus making the habit an important obstetric and public health concern. It is recommended that an active intervention policy should be adopted by healthcare providers to promote preconception smoking cessation and provide services for counselling with behavioural modification support, and the provision of smoking cessation pharmaceutical services. Women who continue to smoke should have closer antenatal surveillance throughout the whole of pregnancy.

Keywords: Adverse effects; Chronic health; Economic effects; Growth restriction; Intra-uterine development; Maternal health; Neonatal morbidity; Pregnancy; Preterm birth; Smoking; Stillbirth; Tobacco use; Vaping.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fertility
  • Humans
  • Mothers
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications* / etiology
  • Pregnant Women*
  • Tobacco Use