Pregnant women should take 'smoking test': what do you think?

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello

There are reports in a couple of papers today (here and here - paywall) that NICE has recommended that all pregnant women be given a carbon monoxide test by their midwife in early pregnancy - effectively, a smoking test. If they test positive, the idea is that the midwife will signpost them to NHS smoking cessation services. The Royal College of Midwives is quoted as saying that they think the idea will adversely affect the relationship between women and their midwives.

We're getting asked what you all think about this - so do please let us know!

I didn't know I was pregnant. I have said that. I haven't smoked one cigarette, had one sip of alcohol or one whiff of weed since I found out. Tell me how I've done wrong there.

So show me the research you're quoting that hasn't actually been found to be wrong.

Three sorts of lies.

Lies.

Damn lies.

And statistics.

That's why most things use word like "linked to".

Again no-one is arguing that smoking is a great thing in pregnancy or even that it doesn't increase risks. You are behaving as though pregnant smokers are irresponsible mothers and that is a fact.

So Frebbie, are you saying that the research that has been done to show that smoking during pregnancy harms the baby is all one big conspiracy?

Well Offred, that is what I believe. And nothing anyone can say will change my mind.

Interestingly, the evidence shows that behaviours under conditions of strong habits (such as smoking) are often performed automatically (i.e. not subject to a conscious decision). Also, that vigilant monitoring is an effective strategy against such habits: just giving people information just doesn't work.

Therefore I think it's a good thing. Such testing avoids self-delusion, and attempts to give women access to alternative strategies to give up at a point in their lives that an intervention has a good chance of working.

I believe it's been in place around the country for some time: presumably NICE have empirical evidence that it's an effective intervention.

Let's hope it's implemented in a sensitive way....

Futterby, you might feel like that, but how you enforce that has very real implications for womens rights. If your opinion means that things need to be enforced on women in any way thats very dangerous and leave use all open to abuse.

I get concerned when student HCP (or indeed practising one) get judgemental on subjects like this with such passion - it means they have lost they ability to focus on whats best for that individual patient or the pressures or challenges they may face in their life because they lack the ability to properly empathise on any level. You don't have to agree with what someone does or to approve of their actions to understand them. If you are not capable of doing this, you are not capable of acting in the patients best interest - you will only ever act based on your beliefs.

And its not about your beliefs. Ever.

No Futterby. I'm saying that statistics and research can be manipulated. And that correlation can be flawed.

You don't understand research. Come on if you are 18 you are only just nearly finishing 1st year.

Research doesn't get "found to be wrong" very often.

Research using different methods often conflicts.

It is unfair to hold people to such high standards. I completely agree that it is unprofessional.

I didn't say anything should be enforced. I'm simply saying that expectant mothers shouldn't smoke and that I feel they are irresponsible for risking their child's health. What's best for most expectant mothers who smoke is to stop. And as s student nurse I have chosen not to work in any capacity with smoking expectant mothers or to become a midwife (which I always wanted to do) because I'm very much pro-life and I would not be able to be non-judgemental in that capacity. You have no right to say that my opinions will affect my ability to practice as a nurse, because I don't let them.

Upthestick - that's interesting.

Whoa. Are you actually judging me on my AGE?! And you're telling me to be non-judgemental!! I have no words to describe my disgust.

"I'm a student nurse within the NHS and I've been involved with the treatment of pregnant mothers who smoke"

Which is it Futterby?

Not by choice, Frebbie. As a placement. Which was mandatory.

Er no, I'm judging you on your lack of understanding about research because of your stage of education. In first year I was excited and got carried away thinking a little knowledge was a lot too. Everyone does.

Oh right, so you get to pick and choose but the pregnant women in the clinics don't? How does that work then?

Actually, I your understanding of research is flawed. I have shown research proven to be valid, and you have shown research proven to be false.

*your.

Frebbie, I have no idea what you're talking about.

Research doesn't get proven to be false. You have not understood the significance of the word "linked". Research is often conflicting, the one you personally like better is not necessarily more or less valid.

I won't continue to argue with people over the internet because I'm getting stressed which could harm my baby and I seem to be more responsible than a lot of women and will not take that risk. I believe that mothers who smoke, for the most part, are irresponsible and should stop, and anyone saying that it "doesn't harm the baby" is talking rubbish. That's all I have left to say on the matter.

Can I suggest you go and talk to your lecturers about how research works? And the difference between "linked" and "proven".

And, as a student nurse, I'd assume (I could be wrong) that you have to do shift work. A quick google has shown me loads of research stating that can have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.

I'd suggest you look at that as well.

I wasn't going to comment but I just can't leave that.

Since you obviously don't understand student nursing during pregnancy, no I do not have to do shift work. Simply because I'm pregnant and my university has a duty of care over myself and my baby.

Now I'm hiding the thread and will not respond to any more of your drivel comments.