Smoking Habits before, during and after Pregnancy among Swedish Women and their Partners in Suburban Stockholm

Abstract

Smoking habits of pregnant women and their partners at three health centres in Stockholm, Sweden, were monitored by a postal questionnaire. Of 582 women enlisted at the antenatal clinics, 433 (74%) were included. 253 (58%) women and 230 (53%) partners responded. 30% of the women were smokers at the start of pregnancy, compared with 27% of the men. During pregnancy 18% continued to smoke, and after the birth of the child 21% were smokers. The male partners stopped or decreased smoking less often.

Fewer women aged 25 or more were smokers. The number of heavy smokers decreased considerably during and after pregnancy. The women were more prone to stop smoking if the partner was a non-smoker. 87% made some restriction in their smoking habits after the baby was born.

Key Words:

• female
• male
• pregnancy
• prevention
• smoking