The percentage of pregnant smokers who register with the Quitline has remained relatively stable over time; yet, Vermont has one of the highest rates of smoking during pregnancy. Vermont’s rate of smoking during pregnancy is consistently about twice the national rate: 16.8% of Vermont pregnant women smoke compared to 8.4% among U.S. women (2014 PRAMS). Further, the smoking rate among pregnant women who receive WIC assistance is nearly four times as high in Vermont as those who do not receive assistance (30.8% vs. 7.8%). In recent months, the Health Departments Divisions of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, and Office of Local Health have turned their attention to this issue to try to bend the curve.
VDH district office staff
Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention/Tobacco Control Program
Division of Maternal and Child Health
Vermont Center on Behavior and Health/University of Vermont
Home Health Agencies throughout Vermont
The evidence suggests that pregnancy is a prime moment to intervene and support women to reduce or quit smoking due to the impact of tobacco and nicotine on the pregnancy and baby:
Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely than nonsmokers to have an ectopic pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, placental abruption, placenta previa or stillbirth. Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be of low birthweight or born prematurely, increasing their risk of serious health problems.