Electronic cigarettes and obstetric outcomes: a prospective observational study

BJOG. 2020 May;127(6):750-756. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.16110. Epub 2020 Feb 9.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the obstetric outcomes and socio-demographic factors in electronic cigarette (EC) users with cigarette smokers and non-smokers in pregnancy.

Design: Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting: A large urban maternity hospital delivering almost 8500 infants per year.

Population: Pregnant women attending for antenatal care.

Methods: Electronic cigarette users at time of booking history were prospectively identified. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared with those of pregnant smokers and non-smokers. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between the explanatory variables and birthweight.

Main outcomes measures: Infant birthweight, gestation at delivery, incidence of low birthweight.

Results: A total of 218 women with exclusive EC use and 195 women with dual use of both cigarettes and EC, had a live birth during the study period. EC users were of higher socio-economic status than smokers. Infants born to EC users had a mean birthweight of 3470 g (± 555 g), which was similar to that of non-smokers (3471 ± 504 g, P = 0.97) and significantly greater than that of smokers (3166 ± 502 g, P < 0.001). The mean birth centile of EC users was similar to non-smokers (51st centile versus 47th centile, P = 0.28) and significantly greater than that of smokers (27th centile, P < 0.001). Dual users had a mean birthweight and birth centile similar to that of smokers.

Conclusion: The birthweight of infants born to EC users is similar to that of non-smokers, and significantly greater than cigarette smokers. Dual users of both cigarettes and EC have a birthweight similar to that of smokers.

Tweetable extract: Birthweight of infants born to electronic cigarette users appears to be similar to that of non-smokers.

Keywords: Epidemiology: perinatal; fetal medicine: uteroplacental insufficiency; substance misuse in pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Birth Weight
  • Cigarette Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Logistic Models
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / psychology*
  • Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology*
  • Prenatal Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Urban Population
  • Vaping / adverse effects*

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