Nicotine use during pregnancy can have a variety of harmful effects on both the mother and the developing fetus. 1 The main psychoactive chemical in tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
Taking Nicotine Pouches During Pregnancy: Effects on the fetus
Nicotine can cross the placenta and affect a growing baby's heart rate and blood flow. This can increase the risk of premature birth, stillbirth, and miscarriage. 1,2
Nicotine increases the risk of infant mortality, alters a baby's brain development, and increases the likelihood of developing behavioural and cognitive problems (SIDS) later in life. Effects on mothers. 1,2
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of various health problems, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and placenta previa. 1,2
Nicotine can weaken the mother's immune system and increase the risk of illness. In addition to impairing fertility and increasing the likelihood of low birth weight and other health problems, nicotine also negatively impacts reproductive health. 1,2
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
We do not recommend using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as gums or patches during pregnancy. NRT products may not help pregnant women quit smoking and may increase the chances of relapse. However, taking nicotine pouches during pregnancy should be avoided- Pregnant women should be aware of the effects of second-hand smoke on the fetus, which can be just as harmful as smoking during pregnancy. - In addition to encouraging friends and family to quit smoking, you should avoid passive smoking. 1,2,3
Conclusion
Pregnant women should talk to their doctor about how best to stop taking NRT drugs and smoking. Prescription drugs, behavioural counselling, and nicotine replacement therapy are some ways pregnant women can quit smoking. Still, it's important to note the harmful effects of nicotine, her NRT use during pregnancy, and exposure to second-hand smoke.
References
Blanc J, Tosello B, Ekblad MO, Berlin I, Netter A. Nicotine Replacement Therapy during Pregnancy and Child Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 11;18(8):4004. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18084004. PMID: 33920348; PMCID: PMC8070414.
Morales-Suárez-Varela M, Puig BM, Kaerlev L, Peraita-Costa I, Perales-Marín A. Safety of Nicotine Replacement Therapy during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023; 20(1):250. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010250
Tran, D.T., Preen, D.B., Einarsdottir, K. et al. Use of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies during pregnancy is not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: a population-based cohort study. BMC Med 18, 15 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-019-1472-9
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