Essential Reads: Medications for Smoking Cessation in Breastfeeding Women
Our information on the use of medications for smoking cessation in nursing mothers is limited.
Smoking During Pregnancy and Risk for ADHD in Children
Previous studies have demonstrated that children born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are at increased risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Â In a recent review, Huang and colleagues looked at data from 15 cohort studies [...]
Pregnant Women in the US: Less Alcohol and Cigarettes, More Pot
Using data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health between 2002 and 2016, researchers sought to study changes in the use of alcohol, cigarette, and cannabis during pregnancy in a nationally representative sample [...]
Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy Associated with Psychiatric Illness in Offspring
 In the United States, the prevalence of smoking in pregnant women has declined; however, according to data gathered from 29 states by the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), about 13% of women smoked [...]
Smoking During Pregnancy Not Associated with Severe Mental Illness in Offspring, But Other Risks Exist
Over the years, we have seen a number of research studies which suggested a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and adverse psychiatric outcomes in offspring, including increased risk for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity [...]
Update on Smoking During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Some of the most commonly visited posts on our website are related to smoking in pregnant and postpartum women. Â While smoking is a potential problem for all women, rates of tobacco use are higher among [...]
Many Pregnant Women Unaware of the Risks of Electronic Cigarettes
More and more people are using electronic cigarettes. Â While e-cigarettes are often touted as being safer than tobacco-containing cigarettes, there is fierce debate among experts as to whether this is actually the case. Â There is [...]
Postpartum Depression and Cigarette Smoking
A recent study examines the relationship between postpartum depression (PPD) and cigarette smoking. The study sample consisted of 29,654 U.S. women who reported smoking in the 3 months prior to pregnancy and for whom data on PPD were available from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).
You Asked: Is Smoking While Breastfeeding Safe?
This is one of the most common questions sent in to our website. Many women ask if it is safe to smoke while they are breastfeeding. Smoking is relatively common during pregnancy, with about 10% of all women smoking at some point during their pregnancy. The rates are even higher among women with psychiatric illness. While many women may be able to stop smoking or reduce their intake during pregnancy, most women resume smoking during the postpartum period.  And women who suffer from postpartum depression are at even higher risk for smoking relapse.
Smoking While Pregnant: What are the Effects on the Developing Fetal Brain?
When women come to us for consultation, we focus primarily on the risks of exposure to psychotropic medications. It is important, however, to consider the impact of other, potentially harmful, exposures that are common in [...]