A new report has revealed that smoking rates during pregnancy have dropped 36% since 2016, which is good news for mothers-to-be and infants in America.
In 2016, fewer pregnant women smoked than in decades before
In 2016 there were 7.2% fewer pregnant women that smoked than there were in earlier decades. However, that percentage will have decreased to just 4.6% by 2021. According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention division, this is the case. Therefore, toxins from tobacco must be kept away from the growing fetus for the baby’s health.
The March of Dimes reports that, among other negative effects, smoking during pregnancy has been associated with an elevated risk of miscarriages, stillbirth, early delivery, pregnancy complications, birth abnormalities, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The latest data was obtained from a national registry that was partly compiled using data submitted by American moms shortly after giving birth.
Researchers working under the direction of NCHS scientist Joyce Martin found that from 2016 to 2021, “the percentage of moms who used cigarettes while pregnant fell throughout all maternal age groups.” Moreover, across the country, declines were observed, irrespective of race or ethnicity.
Smoking incidence has been on the decline by 8% yearly since 2016
Interestingly, between 2016 and 2021, smoking prevalence during pregnancy decreased by an average of 8% each year. They observed a particularly sharp reduction of 16% occurred in the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020–2021.
Despite what might seem to be a historic low for pregnant women who smoke, experts believe more has to be done to protect expectant mothers and babies.
The March of Dimes advised women that smoking during pregnancy exposes the unborn child to toxins, including nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide, through the umbilical cord and placenta. These poisons will harm the infant. In addition, one’s baby may receive less oxygen due to them. This could hinder the development of your unborn child and harm his or her brain and lungs.
