Patrick L. Remington

Smoking during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern with widespread social, economic, and health effects. To describe the epidemiology of maternal smoking in Wisconsin over time and by county, age, race/ethnicity, education, and other characteristics. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in 2011-2016 was evaluated using Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health data. Maternal smoking rates declined from 14.4% in 2011 to 11.4% in 2016. Rates are highest among women aged 20-24 and those with less education. American Indians had the highest rates of smoking during pregnancy at all education levels. Despite continued declines in the rates of smoking during pregnancy in Wisconsin, disparities exist for American Indians, young, and less-educated women. Physicians should continue to encourage cessation throughout pregnancy and support evidence-based community programs and policies.