In New Hampshire, it is estimated that 21.7 %, or 1 in 5 women of childbearing age smoke.  (March of Dimes Peristats)

Smoking is a major public health problem. All smokers face an increased risk of lung cancer, other lung diseases, and cardiovascular and other disorders. Smoking during pregnancy can harm the health of both a woman and her unborn baby.

According to the U.S. Public Health Service, if all pregnant women in this country stopped smoking, there would be an estimated:

• 11 percent reduction in stillbirths
• 5 percent reduction in newborn deaths

Cigarette smoke contains more than 2,500 chemicals. It is not known for certain which of these chemicals are harmful to the developing baby, but both nicotine and carbon monoxide play a role in causing adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and infant mortality.

In New Hampshire, the preterm birth rate is 10.5%.  Preterm birth is the leading cause if death among infants.  Because smoking is a modifiable risk factor linked to preterm birth, it is imperative to address smoking among women of childbearing age through tobacco prevention and control measures.  Through education and prevention we may reduce the infant mortality rate in New Hampshire and improve birth outcomes.  Such prevention programs are currently minimally funded by various public and private sources including the March of Dimes community grants program in New Hampshire.

The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  The March of Dimes is the leading non profit organization for pregnancy and baby health.