New mothers return to smoking

New research has found that the stresses of new motherhood often lead women who’ve quit smoking during pregnancy to return to it soon after, with the rate of relapse being up to 90% in some groups. Participants in the research at the University of East Anglia sited the stress of caring for a newborn, sleepless nights, social pressure, and the idea that they no longer need to protect the baby as factors that contributed to relapse.  Others also particularly highlighted that they viewed it as a means of regaining their identity.

Lead researcher Dr Caitlin Notley said: “In order for women to continue their lives smoke free after pregnancy, we need to see a cultural shift – where women feel more motivated to remain abstinent, and where they feel more comfortable with the change of identity that motherhood brings. Support from partners is vital, but support from health professionals can be very important as well”

RCM professional policy advisor Janet Fyle said: “Some women stop smoking in pregnancy because they understand the need to protect the baby from the effects of smoking. However, some may resume smoking once they have given birth because of a misconception that there is no longer the need to protect the baby.  This is why we need to tailor the messages we give to childbearing women about the effects of smoking. These negative effects not only impact on the foetus during pregnancy, they also have consequences for the woman’s own health and well-being and that of other children and family members due to passive smoking”.  

For support on quitting smoking see our Be Healthy pages

RCM article can be viewed here

See the Guardian’s report on the research here