Using nicotine replacement therapy for smoking reduction in pregnancy: a qualitative study of pregnant women in the UK who smoke

Abstract

Objectives To explore the acceptability and perceived motivations and barriers of using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to reduce the number of daily cigarettes smoked in pregnancy, rather than for stopping completely.Design Telephone, semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.Participants Eighteen pregnant women in the UK, who were smoking or had recently stopped smoking, were recruited.Results Half of interviewees reported having used NRT to reduce smoking during their current pregnancy, and there was overwhelming support for the UK National Health Service to recognise this as a potentially useful way to use these products. The cost and stigma associated with purchasing NRT products when pregnant were seen as barriers to using NRT in this way. The early offer of NRT for reduction along with a tailored, structured approach to support was seen as important.Conclusions Using NRT to help women, who are unable to stop smoking, to reduce their smoking may be acceptable to pregnant women. This study found women were already using NRT alongside ad hoc strategies to reduce their smoking. Further research evaluating structured smoking reduction support, alongside concurrent NRT use is needed.