Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in two regions: cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking in pregnancy, and the rate of congenital malformations in children at in utero exposure.MethodsThe trial was designed as a cross-sectional study to measure exposure of pregnant women to adverse influence of smoking and their health status. The study consists of two arms: one was conducted at four Zagreb maternity hospitals (Croatia) and the other at the same hospitals in Novi Sad (Serbia).ResultsData analysis revealed the habit of cigarette smoking during pregnancy in 829 (11.9%) of 6 992 (6 099+893) women. Malformations were found in 105 (1.5%) fetuses and newborns. Major congenital malformations were present in 4 (0.6%), minor malformations in 73 (10.5%) and low birth weight in 12 (1.7%) newborns. In all these pregnant women smoked until becoming aware of pregnancy or during pregnancy. Tobacco smoking and congenital abnormalities that define the contingency table were not significantly related in Zagreb (P=0.385), as well as in Novi Sad (P=0.345).ConclusionsThe proportion of pregnant women reporting cigarette smoking was quite similar in Zagreb and Novi Sad. There is no statistically significant association between cigarette smoking and congenital malformations.