A recent study reveals that e-cigarettes are more successful than nicotine patches in assisting pregnant women to quit smoking, according to researchers from Queen Mary University in London. The study also implies that choosing traditional cigarettes over e-cigarettes during pregnancy might elevate the likelihood of giving birth to an underweight baby, which is linked to potential health problems later on.

Nicotine and e-cigarettes offer comparable safety in smoking cessation

Currently, majority of smoking cessation programs advocate the utilization of nicotine patches for pregnant individuals who engage in smoking. Nevertheless, the research revealed that both electronic cigarettes and patches exhibit comparable levels of safety. The notable contrast surfaced in the reduced frequency of infants with low birthweight among e-cigarette users when juxtaposed with patch users.

Researchers suggest that this result could be attributed to the higher efficacy of e-cigarettes in aiding women to completely cease smoking. At the conclusion of their pregnancies, almost double the number of women conveyed successfully giving up smoking by utilizing e-cigarettes in comparison to those who opted for nicotine patches.

It is intriguing to note that certain women opted for smoking cessation through methods not initially recommended by researchers. In numerous instances, despite being provided with patches, these women proactively pursued e-cigarettes as an alternative solution.

E-cigarettes offer an alternative to nicotine patches for pregnant women

Queen Mary University’ Professor Peter Hajek said in a release that e-cigarettes offer greater efficacy relative to nicotine patches when helping pregnant women with smoking cessation. As a result they lead to enhanced pregnancy results. This evidence based recommendation encompasses different alternatives and suggests transitioning from e-cigarette smoking. Therefore these recommendations can be expanded to pregnant smokers as well.

The effects of nicotine on infants are not well-established. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that main health risks come from toxins in cigarettes apart from nicotine. Thus, NICE advises using behavioral support and nicotine replacement therapy like gum, patches, and spray. E-cigarettes offer the advantage of customizable strength and flavor for pregnant women, aiding in the switch to a smoke-free life.