Management of forced smoking cessation among pregnant smokers because of the smoking ban at maternity hospitals in Pays de la Loire (2025)

Objectives Identify medical practices for managing smoking cessation in pregnant smokers in hospitalisation units and delivery rooms at maternity hospitals in Pays de la Loire. Methods Study on professional practices conducted between 1 July 2022 and 1 March 2023 among healthcare professionals who manage delivery rooms and hospitalisation units in Pays de la Loire using an online self-assessment questionnaire. Findings Twenty-three (100%) of maternity hospitals belonging to the regional perinatal network in Pays de la Loire took part in the study. In hospitalisation units, smoking withdrawal symptoms were assessed in 59% of cases, with NRT available at 95% of maternity hospitals and used at 72% of maternity hospitals. Withdrawal symptoms were assessed in delivery rooms in 26% of maternity hospitals. NRT was available in 65% of delivery rooms and used in 33% of delivery rooms. Although 59% of hospitalisation units and 43% of delivery rooms had exhaled breath CO monitors, none of them used the devices in an effective way. Consultations with a stop smoking specialist were available in 95% of maternity hospitals. Conclusions The management of smoking cessation in pregnant smokers in France is not optimal. Healthcare professionals should be trained and a national protocol should be introduced to improve the quality of care given to hospitalised pregnant smokers. [Author's abstract]
Highlights:
All maternity units in the Pays de Loire region took part in the study.
Withdrawal symptoms were assessed in delivery rooms in 26% of maternity hospitals.
NRT's were available in 65% of delivery rooms and used in 33% of delivery rooms.
Consultations with a stop smoking specialist were available in 95% of maternity hospitals.