Nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy

In spite of the fact that smoking is the main cause of obstetric morbidity and mortality, 20% of North American women smoke during pregnancy. In Spain, this figure is as high as 30% to 35%. Treating smoking addiction in these patients should be the first and most important therapeutic measure undertaken by health professionals responsible for the care of pregnant women. All experts recommend the use of nicotine replacement therapy when more conservative treatments have failed. This article reviews the indications and contraindications for nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy as well as other issues relating to the safety of this type of treatment.