Is NICE going too far?

[Sal321]

This BBC news story is about a suggestion by NICE (national institute for clinical excellence) that all pregnant women should be breath tested for smoking at their first MW appointment. I know I don't smoke, why should I be tested? I appreciate that I could refuse, but isn't this a bit of a weird recommendation?

That's nuts, what a waste of resources

yes I do, cos a lot of women lie about smoking and may make them realise what they are doing to their baby in the future. Women should not smoke, I didn't and I don't smoke!

and if they were found to have smoked...what then????!!

'Women should not smoke' weetabixwhiner?

Why just women?

What's your justification for that statement?

they will be flogged...

And what happens if you catch them with smoke on their breath? You still can't do anything other than lecture them on the dangers of smoking and point them towards quitting programmes, and tbh you can do that just as well without knowing exactly who smokes and who doesn't.

I just had my booking in and I was tested. I thought it was handled quite badly. I wasn't really given a "choice" - I was sort of quickly bundled behind a screen and told they were testing everyone for carbon monoxide and to blow in to a tube.

because if you cant be bothered giving up smoking for the sake of your babies health youre not off to a very good start are you ? (ex smoker here)

complete shit

if people want to smoke they will smoke regardless

UGH

hmm, i can see why they want to do the testing but..its hardly a good start to what should be a relationship with someone you can trust (and therefore be trusted by)

Yes women lie about smoking because they don't want a lecture from the midwife.

Breath testing them will only encourage more women not to go to their appointments.

Smoking isn't illegal, during pregnancy or not.

No, vintage, but where is the point in catching and humiliating the women who are not off to a good start? You can't exactly force them to terminate the pregnancy, can you? And you can't know what else they are going to get right? Some people are under horrendous stress in pregnancy and it is a time when giving up smoking is just too difficult for them. All it means is that people who might need more support than most will be the ones who least feel they can ask for it.

Of course its going too far, and is insulting,s exist, patronising, intrusive, and above all, pointless and timewasting.

I know what, let's start breath testing the dads too. We all know how dangerous passive smoking is.

Hmmm, I don't get what they are going to do if people have smoked, send them to pregnancy prison? Does the same thing happen if I eat brie (ah madam I detect a whiff of unpasteurised cheese about you, 30 days for you).

Everybody knows you shouldn't smoke when pregnant (FWIW, everybody, no matter upbringing/education, etc. also knows that smoking is in any case Bad For You), people are already asked and offered support to quit, I don't really get what practical difference this test is going to make. Another example of NICE over-reaching.

If I was asked to test, I would honestly refuse, and if asked why, I would say because I don't smoke, never have, and frankly am offended that you feel the need to check whether I am lying. I know it wouldn't be the MW's personal fault, but really...preposterous.

D

There is nothing more sickening to see the heavily pregnant mothers in the smoking room in hospital dragging away on their fags. It's so selfish.

I would be offended if I was asked to do the test because I've never puffed on a cigarette in my life!! I've never taken the notion to smoke and never will. What a waste of resources!!

I heard this this morning and was quite disgusted. I would refuse to be tested.

I don't smoke, never have, and my word should be enough. I'm not a little girl that needs to be checked up on.

At my booking appointment the midwife, before even asking me if I smoked or not, said, "Here are some leaflets about smoking and pregnancy. If you're a smoker we have specialsts and groups at the health centre that can help you stop."

That's all the needs to be said, IMO.

I hate going to the maternity hospital and seeing loads of mums-to-be puffing away on their cigarettes in the corner. Pretty awful looking, and also shame for unborn child having no choice in the matter. Selfish gets.

Such a bad idea. Will just put women who smoke off going for their first appt, which could be disasterous.

Its so patronising.

Smoking causes autism and all sorts.

I am a never smoker, but I think this enforced test is a disgrace.

dont talk to me about being stressed i could write a book on it and i still wouldnt smoke when pregnant so ner

smoking does not cause autism