the Wedding Planner

UK Wedding News

13/05/2013

Pregnant Women To Be Given Smoking Test

A new recommendation from the NHS has suggested that expectant mothers are to be given a smoking test.

Mothers-to-be are being recommended to take breath tests to prove whether they are smoking or not during their pregnancy.

Around 20% of women smoke while they are pregnant, and it is thought this can lead to complications in pregnancy and labour, as well as lead to a low birth weight for their babies.

In the hopes of reducing this number, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has said women should be tested for carbon monoxide found in cigarettes during antenatal appointments, and subsequently given help to quit if levels are too high.

- - - - - - Advertisement - - - - - -
The Party Photobooth Limited

The proposals have been backed by midwives, but the new tests have also been met with opposition, with parenting groups saying future mothers should not be dictated to in such a way. There is also concern that the tests could damage the relationship between expectant women and the professionals giving them antenatal support.

Speaking to Sky News, Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives said the tests would be very helpful "in showing to women the potential damage that smoking can have on their baby", but added that "any test which becomes routine must be offered along with comprehensive information and women must be able to opt out."

The new Nice guidelines are currently under consultation, but are expected to be published later this year.

(JP/CD)

Top stories


20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant

Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance

Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth

Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend

Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life

Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle

Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans

Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids

Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters

Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
more infomore info
0.015625 44.222.116.199 Ban:1, But:3 28/03/2024

"A new recommendation from the NHS has suggested that expectant mothers are to be given a smoking test."