Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy and Relapse After Childbirth in Canada

Objective: This analysis was undertaken to determine the rates and determinants of smoking cessation during pregnancy and smoking relapse after childbirth in Canada. Methods: We used data from the Maternity Experiences Survey, a cross-sectional study of mothers who gave birth to a singleton baby in Canada in 2006. A total of 1586 mothers who smoked occasionally or daily before pregnancy were included in the analysis. Results: The rate of smoking cessation during pregnancy was 53.0% (95% CI 50.3% to 55.7%). Higher pre-pregnancy smoking frequency, Inuit origin, being aged >= 35 years, lower education, not attending prenatal classes, lack of social support, stress before or during pregnancy, and living with a smoker were independently associated with higher risk of continued smoking, while First Nations (off-reserve) origin was associated with a lower risk. Among those who had quit smoking, 47.1% (95% CI 43.5% to 50.6%) relapsed postpartum. Living with a smoker, not having breastfed, and having stopped breastfeeding were independently associated with a higher risk of relapse. Conclusion: This study highlights the need to tailor smoking cessation and prevention interventions for some high-risk groups of women.