Weight Loss Worries Force Mom To Start Smoking
Although many women quit smoking during pregnancy, the majority will resume smoking after having a baby. Results of a University of Pittsburgh study suggest that women’s worries about weight may decrease their motivation to remain smoke-free postpartum. The study is published in the October issue of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.“Two-thirds of women who quit smoking when pregnant will resume smoking after giving birth,” said Michele Levine, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “We want to understand how factors, such as depression or the baby blues, and weight concerns, might affect women’s motivations to smoke after delivery.
“Weight concerns are a prevalent problem among American women, and can affect women who have recently given birth.” Dr. Levine continues. “In women who quit smoking when they become pregnant, we found that concerns about weight can make them less motivated to stay smoke-free after pregnancy.”
