0
0
A recent study by the University of Alberta has issued a stark warning that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking during pregnancy. Researchers reviewed global evidence and found significant risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes during pregnancy, urging mothers to avoid vaping for their health and the health of their babies.
In their paper published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, the team examined data from 23 studies involving a total of 924,376 participants, including 7,552 women who reported vaping exclusively during pregnancy. The evidence showed that vaping during pregnancy increased the likelihood of negative outcomes for both mothers and newborns.
“For mothers who smoke during pregnancy, we have a simple recommendation: stop. There is no safe alternative,” said Subhabrata Moitra, an assistant professor at the Bagchi School of Public Health in India and former postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alberta.
The research found that vaping during pregnancy was linked to a 53% higher chance of adverse outcomes for mothers. These included decreased breastfeeding rates and reduced prenatal care, compared to those who did not vape or smoke. For newborns, vaping was associated with a 53% higher chance of negative outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and small size for gestational age—all of which can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and respiratory problems later in life.
“The fetus is extremely sensitive to environmental chemicals in the mother’s blood. These chemicals can interfere with crucial processes like cell division,” said Paige Lacy, a professor of medicine at the University of Alberta. “Some chemicals may be harmless to adults but teratogenic to the fetus, meaning they can cause developmental issues.”
Although the exact mechanisms behind these harmful effects remain unclear, e-cigarettes are known to contain hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, nickel, and harmful additives like polyethylene glycol and diacetyl, an artificial flavoring linked to a condition known as “popcorn lung.”
The study’s authors emphasize the need for further research to better understand how these chemicals affect pregnancy. They also warn that some substances that are generally considered safe to ingest may become harmful when vaporized and inhaled.
While smoking rates have decreased in Canada, vaping has risen in popularity, particularly among younger populations. Statistics Canada reported that in 2022, around one in five Canadians aged 20 to 24 and one in seven Canadians aged 15 to 19 vaped in the past month.
Many women believe that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking during pregnancy, a misconception the researchers aim to correct. They hope that their findings will guide public health campaigns, influence e-cigarette advertising and sales regulations, and enhance education for healthcare providers.
For more information, the full study can be accessed: Andy Deprato et al., Associations between vaping during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Hazardous Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.137028
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding smoking, vaping, or any other substance use during pregnancy.
