Who can Help Pregnant Women to Quit?

After a full investigation of women who exercised regularly while expecting a baby, researchers found that physical effort may help pregnant women stop smoking.

The British scientists found also that the quitting rate was about the same as for people who use nicotine replacement.

Michael Ussher and colleagues from St. George's University of London said: "Our findings suggest that a physical activity intervention is feasible and acceptable as an aid to smoking cessation during pregnancy."

As it is known nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known that can lead to lower birth weight, higher infant mortality and is linked to learning difficulties and health problems in childhood.

According to a research, 17 percent of British women and 20 percent of women in the United States say they smoke during pregnancy.

Researchers added that even nicotine patches are one way to help smokers give up, but there are worries they may harm the fetus, leaving exercise as a healthy alternative for pregnant women.

In one trial, women exercised under supervision once a week for six weeks while in the other they worked out twice a week for the same length of time and then once weekly for three weeks. All received counseling and help to stop smoking.

The studies found that the women exercised at a moderate pace and the main activity was walking. A quarter of the 32 women gave up smoking before giving birth.

Information Provided by: Our Cigarettes