Who stops smoking during pregnancy?

Background. The proportion of women who stop smoking during pregnancy has v aried between 17 and 40% percent in Sweden with a tendency of lower prevale nce in recent years. The aim of the present study was to examine the factor s that might influence the ability to stop smoking during pregnancy. Method. One hundred and two women were interviewed shortly after their firs t visit to the antenatal clinic and a second time approximately one month a fter delivery. Two women who had late spontaneous abortions were excluded. The women were asked about background factors, smoking habits of their pare nts, smoking history and current smoking habits. The carbon monoxide in exp iratory air was measured to verify reported smoking habits. Results. Fifty-six of the 100 participating women had stopped smoking befor e the second interview. Having started smoking at an older age, having no p revious children, smoking few cigarettes, a higher level of education, posi tive support from the partner and having lived with non-smoking parents wer e all associated with stopping smoking when tested as single factors. Repor ted smoking habits could be verified. Age, smoking habits of the partner, p assive smoking at work, quality of sleep, general perceived health, length of sick-leave or amount of nausea were not correlated to stopping smoking. Conclusion. The presence of several factors found to influence stopping smo king during pregnancy, and the tendency for smoking habits to be passed ove r to the new generation, are reasons for comprehensive and individualized, anti-smoking support.