Women's experiences of smoking during and after pregnancy as ascertained two to three years after birth

• Objective: to ascertain the significant factors that influence women to stop/not stop smoking during pregnancy and the postnatal period. Design: Twenty-four women were interviewed two-three years after delivery with regard to their smoking habits during and after pregnancy. The material was analysed based on a phenomenological approach in order to provide an accurate description of lived experience. Findings: women who still smoked at their first visit to the antenatal clinic often had an established smoking pattern. They had vague knowledge about the risks of smoking during pregnancy. All women interviewed stated that the midwife played an important role in their motivation to stop/reduce smoking during pregnancy. Many women, however, lacked the support from doctors, delivery and maternity ward staff and district nurses. Conclusion: during pregnancy midwives and doctors have a unique opportunity to influence and help women who smoke to give up smoking. It is necessary that the different personnel have a similar approach to counselling. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

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