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Author(s): J. Veverka (corresponding author) [1]; B. Farquhar [2]; M. Robinson [3]; P. Thomas [1]; S. Murchie [2]; A. Harch [1]; P. G. Antreasian [4]; S. R. Chesley [4]; J. [...]

Objective: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a relatively recent phenomenon, serving dual roles as an alternative vehicle for nicotine delivery and a smoking-cessation tool. The purpose of this study was to determine pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding electronic cigarettes., Study Design: A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed to a convenience sample of pregnant women presenting to a university-based outpatient clinic. After survey completion, participants received information about smoking cessation and e-cigarettes. Data were examined using χ² and Fisher exact tests and analysis of variance. Stata was used for the analysis., Results: Of the 326 surveys distributed, 316 were completed (97%). Of the 316 participants, 42 (13%) reported having ever used e-cigarettes. Only 2 (0.6%) reported current daily use. Ever users were slightly older (27.3 years vs 25.4 years; P = 0.007) and more likely to be current smokers (43% vs. 14%; P < 0.001) compared with women who had never used electronic cigarettes. Knowledge of the harms of smoking was similar between the 2 groups. Overall, 57% of all respondents believed that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, 61% that e-cigarettes can be addictive, and 43% that e-cigarettes are less harmful to a fetus than traditional cigarettes. Among ever users, the most common reasons given for the use of e-cigarettes were the perception of less harm than traditional cigarettes (74%) and help with smoking cessation (72%)., Conclusions: Misconceptions about e-cigarettes are common among pregnant women, potentially motivating use that may pose risks to both maternal and child health. Screening and education regarding e-cigarettes should be included in prenatal care. Future research in this area is necessary, including research examining pregnancy outcomes among women who use e-cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) are a relatively recent phenomenon, serving a dual role as a potential smoking-cessation tool and an alternative nicotine-delivery system. Although research has addressed the use of ECIGs in general populations, its use during pregnancy has not been studied. The authors seek to inform readers about the current evidence base regarding ECIG use in general and to describe a patient who began using ECIGs regularly during pregnancy as a smoking cessation tool. Continued research is needed to inform patients about the potential risks and benefits of ECIG use, including during pregnancy.