[Slight decrease in the prevalence of smoking around pregnancy].
OBJECTIVE
To establish smoking prevalence of fertile-aged women; before and during pregnancy, and 6 months after delivery.


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
Yearly surveys by questionnaires handed out during 2001-2003 to mothers visiting a Well Baby Clinic with infants aged 0-6 months.


RESULTS
Out ofa total of 14,540 questionnaires, 9133 (63%) were completed and returned. Before pregnancy 25% of all the women concerned smoked, 6% stopped 6 months before getting pregnant; this percentage rose between 2001 (5%) and 2003 (7%). During pregnancy, 14% of the women smoked. This percentage was significantly lower in 2002 and 2003 (13%) compared to 16% in 2001. 11% smoked while pregnant (average 5 cigarettes daily), and 3% stopped some time during pregnancy. Of the mothers who quitted smoking before or during pregnancy, two thirds did so permanently. Nevertheless 15% of all women smoked during the first half year after delivery. This percentage was lowest in 2003 (14%) and highest in 2001 (17%). 28% of all mothers with infants aged 0-6 months had partners who smoked (daily 10 cigarettes average), these women were more likely to start smoking again (RR: 2).


CONCLUSIONS
Minor positive changes were observed within the study period. A smoking partner contributed to smoking relapse after delivery.
Lanting
C I
CI
TNO Kwaliteit van Leven, Preventie en Zorg, Postbus 2215, 2301 CE Leiden. caren.lanting@tno.nl
Segaar
D
D
Crone
M R
MR
van Wouwe
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires