Smoking during pregnancy: comparison of self-reports and cotinine levels in 496 women.
OBJECTIVE
To validate self-reported smoking habits in smoking pregnant women and estimate the prevalence of substantial exposure to passive smoking in non-smoking pregnant women.


METHODS
Retrospective, quantitative study, consecutively collected samples.


METHODS
One antenatal clinic in Blekinge County, Sweden.


METHODS
509 pregnant women.


METHODS
Information about smoking habits were taken from the antenatal records of 496 women (97%). Serum samples from these women were tested for cotinine, a nicotine metabolite.


METHODS
Self-reported smoking habits and cotinine levels in ng/mL.


RESULTS
Of 407 women, reporting to be non-smokers, 6% were most likely smokers, and 3% had cotinine levels suggesting exposure to substantial passive smoking. Of 60 women, reporting smoking 1-10 cigarettes per day, 32% were likely to smoke more.


CONCLUSIONS
If the true facts about exposure to tobacco smoke are not revealed, a number of women who might benefit from information and support at the antenatal clinic will miss the opportunity of such assistance, resulting in increased risks for both the woman and her fetus.
Lindqvist
Rune
R
Department of Family Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-14157 Huddinge, Sweden. runelindqvist@hotmail.com
Lendahls
Lena
L
Tollbom
Orjan
O
Aberg
Hans
H
Håkansson
Anders
A
D000328:Adult; D003367:Cotinine / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000032:analysis*; D018811:Maternal Exposure; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood*; D013548:Sweden; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D014342:Truth Disclosure
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D003367:Cotinine