Pregnant women’s use of e-cigarettes in the UK: a cross-sectional survey.

Introduction:
This text presents the findings of a cross-sectional survey conducted in the UK to estimate the prevalence of vaping in pregnancy and compare the characteristics and attitudes of exclusive smokers, exclusive vapers, and dual users (smoke and vape). The survey was conducted in hospitals across England and Scotland and included pregnant women attending antenatal clinics.

Key Points:

* The prevalence of vaping in pregnancy was 1.3% (44 out of 3360 pregnant women who completed screening questions).
* Among current or recent ex-smokers and/or vapers, 16.1% (140 out of 867) reported vaping during pregnancy.
* Exclusive vapers were more likely to have higher educational qualifications compared to smokers.
* Dual users were more likely to be younger and less likely to hold high qualifications compared to exclusive vapers.
* Compared to smokers, dual users were more likely to be planning to quit smoking.
* Compared to smokers, vapers were more likely to think vaping was safer than smoking.

Main Message:
The study found that one in 20 pregnant women report vaping, and most of them also smoke. Dual users are more motivated towards stopping smoking than smokers. Where women have tried but cannot stop smoking, clinicians could encourage them to consider vaping for smoking cessation. The study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics and attitudes of pregnant women who vape to provide appropriate support and interventions for smoking cessation.

Bowker K, Lewis S, Phillips L, et al. Pregnant women’s use of e-cigarettes in the UK: a cross-sectional survey. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. 2021;128(6):984-993. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.16553