A Randomized Trial of Nicotine-Replacement Therapy Patches in Pregnancy

In this placebo-controlled trial, the addition of a nicotine patch to behavioral support for smoking cessation did not significantly increase rates of prolonged abstinence lasting until delivery, nor did it affect rates of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Compliance rates were low. Smoking in pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and death among women and infants. Adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes associated with smoking include placental abruption, miscarriage, prematurity, low birth weight, congenital abnormalities, and neonatal or sudden infant death. 1 , 2 The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy is between 13% and 25% in high-income countries 3 – 5 and is increasing rapidly in low-income and middle-income countries. 5 Cessation of smoking during pregnancy is important for maternal and fetal health. A meta-analysis of trials has shown that behavioral support for smoking cessation helps pregnant women to stop smoking, which improves birth outcomes. 6 There . . .