vaping

In pregnant women, neither regular use of electronic cigarettes nor nicotine replacement therapy is associated with unfavorable effects, according to a trial involving 1,140 pregnant smokers in England and Scotland. The authors analyzed the association between nicotine consumption by the two routes - vaping and nicotine patches - with parameters including infant birth weight, miscarriages, premature births and respiratory symptoms in the mother. The research is published in the scientific journal Addiction.

E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are alternatives to traditional tobacco that have grown in popularity in recent years. Proponents claim that they serve to "reduce harm" and help quit smoking, while opponents claim that there is no evidence of benefit and that they can introduce young people, non-smokers and ex-smokers to tobacco.