Why do pregnant women smoke?

This study aimed to record the main reasons given by pregnant women for smoking and to observe how these varied by age, education, marital status, social class and level of tobacco consumption. The study involved 498 smoking mothers who were all new antenatal clinic attenders. Data were collected by self-completed questionnaire containing closed and open response items. The participation rate was 95%. Main reasons given for smoking in pregnancy included those related to mood control (i.e. to relax, calm down, enjoyment, out of boredom) and addiction. Pregnant women were more likely to smoke to control their mood if they were older and smoked less than ten cigarettes per day. They were more likely to give addiction as their reason for smoking if they were older. Pregnant women were also more likely to smoke due to boredom if they were single, especially divorced or separated, from unskilled or semi-skilled occupational groups and if their husband or partner was unemployed. The implications of the findings for health education are discussed.