Smoking in pregnancy is an important and modifiable risk factor for poor pregnancy and infant outcomes. Smoking cessation in the first trimester increases birth weight and decreases the risk of premature birth.
Nearly one in five women in Australia smoke tobacco during pregnancy. The smoking rate in pregnant women varies between states and territories from 13% in NSW and ACT to 27% in Tasmania and 29% in the Northern Territory. There is a strong association between social inequality and smoking during pregnancy. More than 40% of teenagers report smoking during pregnancy and over half of Indigenous pregnant women smoke. Smoking rates during pregnancy are increased in women who are multiparous, are born in Australia, have a lower sociodemographic status, have unbooked confinements and have a lack of antenatal care in their first trimester.