Pregnant women to be tested for smoking
Pregnant women will be asked to take breath tests to prove if they are smoking during their pregnancy, under new NHS guidance.
An estimated one in five women smoke while expecting, which is believed to lead to a low birth weight for their babies.
In a bid to lower the lower the numbers, women should be tested for carbon monoxide found in cigarettes during antenatal appointments, said the national institute for health and clinical excellence (Nice), and given help to quit if levels are too high.
The organisation which advises the NHS said that smoking can cause complications in pregnancy and labour, and is a substantial risk to babies in the womb.
In its draft guidance for helping people to stop smoking, Nice suggested that pregnant women be tested for carbon monoxide and referred to “smoking cessation services” if needed.
But a royal college of midwives (RCM) source told the Sunday Times that the guidance was “ill-judged” and warned that forcing tests on women could damage midwives’ relationships with expectant mothers.
The tests could be “helpful” in reducing smoking during pregnancy, said the RCM’s Chief Executive Cathy Warwick in a statement, but she said it was crucial that women are able to opt out.
It is believed that 21 per cent of women smoke while pregnant.
“Smoking can cause complications in pregnancy and labour, including ectopic pregnancy, bleeding during pregnancy, premature detachment of the placenta and premature rupture of the membranes,” said the Nice draft guidance.
“The health risks for babies of mothers who smoke are substantial.”
What do you think?
@channel4news Ridiculous. Just another way to guilt expectant mothers. Education & support way more important.
— Rae Brooke (@goodbrooking) May 12, 2013
@channel4news a great ethical debate.. life of the unborn child -V- the mother’s right to smoke?? .. shall follow with interest #C4news
— Bumbly Di (@DianaNewnham) May 12, 2013
@channel4news and what happens if a pregnant woman refused 2b tested for smoking. Would it be enforceable ? And why not test for drinking?
— Andrew Long (@andrewdavidlong) May 12, 2013
@channel4news Excellent idea, it checks Carbon Monoxide levels so if you have that in your home it will show up. I had the test last year.
— Louise (@RedLiverbirdLou) May 12, 2013