UWM study takes a closer look at smoking and pregnant women

MILWAUKEE -- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researchers say they've seen a decrease in the number of women in Wisconsin smoking during pregnancy, but that downward trend appears to be leveling off. 

UWM's Center for Urban Initiatives and Research released a study examining trends and patterns. The study finds women 18 to 24 were more likely to smoke during pregnancy.  It also looked at race and education.  

"The key findings are we have continued a long-term trend in the decline of pregnant women smoking. Unfortunately, the decline has kind of leveled out since about 2003.  Women of color are more likely to smoke during pregnancy.  Younger women are more likely to smoke during pregnancy.  Women with less education are more likely to smoke during pregnancy," Peter Maier, Acting Director of the Center for Urban Initiatives and Research said.

Ozaukee, Waukesha and Dane counties had the lowest smoking prevalence rates during pregnancy, and the highest rates were in Menominee, Burnett and Sawyer counties. 

"Smoking during pregnancy is related with a lot of ill outcomes for babies -- more likely to have a lower birth weight, infant mortality rates are higher among women who have been smoking during pregnancy," Maier said.

SmokeFree Wisconsin says smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Wisconsin, and more than 7,700 residents die each year from tobacco-related causes. 

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