All pregnant women should face a breathalysing test for carbon monoxide to monitor whether they are smoking, says a UK health regulator.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have said that any expectant mother should perform a breath test at their first ante-natal appointment.
If the test proved positive, then advice and support would be given to help mothers quit smoking to avoid any potential health issues for the child after birth.
Professor Mike Kelly, NICE director of the Centre of Public Health Excellence told news.bbc.co.uk, "During pregnancy, smoking puts the health of the women and her unborn baby at great risk both in the short and long-term, and small children who are exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems."
Although NICE insists that the suggestions are not meant to be judgmental and a test would purely be part of a support network during pregnancy.
The guidance, though, will be controversial, with many women almost certain to be uncomfortable by the kind of intrusion that any test would result in, and some fear that they would not be believed if they say that are a non-smoker.
However, non-smokers should also be wary of intake of carbon monoxide from other sources like secondary smoke rather then directly inhaling and from car fume or even faulty boilers.
Smoking Dangers of Inhaling Tobacco Products While Pregnant
Studies have shown for years what the negative effects of smoking can be and they include the following.
- increases the risk of miscarriage
- higher rates of premature birth
- cause of stillbirths
- sudden unexpected death in infancy or cot death
- exposure to smoke has also been related to behavioural problems such as attention deficiency and hyperactivity
- parents who smoke are more likely to cause respiratory problems for their children like asthma or bronchitis
- illnesses to the ear, nose and throat are more prevalent in children who are in a smoking household
Despite the warnings, the NICE guidance maintained that almost half of all children in the UK are exposed to smoke in the household.
Midwives Necessary to Ensure Support is There if Testing Began
The Royal College of Midwives have advocated increased emphasis on smoking while pregnant due to the health evidence but as long as the monitoring is carried out in the correct manner.
RCM education and research manager Sue Macdonald said: "There appears to an emphasis on pregnant women, which is appropriate given the evidence. Use of the monitor has the potential to make women feel guilty and not engaged. We need to look at a range of individualised interventions for women that meet their needs and aspirations."
Some health professionals are also unsure of the cost and benefits of purchasing carbon monoxide monitors believing resources would be better used elsewhere to reduce smoking rates.
Sources:
BBC News
NICE
Royal College of Midwives
Peter Taberner - My writing career has spanned over the last five years and during that time I have been involved in investigative reporting from Bosnia, ...
Join the Conversation