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!

[tribpot]

The HIV test (whilst I agree it has to be a choice) is in a slightly different category. You may not know you've got it and there are specific health measures that should be taken when the baby is born. So I would put this in the general category of screening. Screening tests for things you may have but you don't know. Smoking is by definition not one of those!

If people living with smokers wanted to take the test to demonstrate their CO levels were higher than average as proof that their fellow smokers should at least alter their habits (smoke outside or whatever) - fine. But surely just 'catching' people who've said they don't smoke but test positive is an invasion of their privacy or preying on people?

I would flat out refuse this test, and I hate smoking.

[pumpkinsweetie]

I believe it is wrong to have a nosey into a womans life in such away, surely if smoking is an issue a pregnant woman is dealing with she should feel able to come forward without need for intrusion such as this smoking test. I think there is too much intrusion nowadays, although the health of baby is of upmost importance, the lady should not feel she has to be poked and prodded for answers!
The hiv test is one i always feel forced into participating in, although i have only slept with one partner for 8 years! If you dare say no, the questions start!

[pumpkinsweetie]

Maybe they should do the Group B Strep test for all women, as that kills babies needlessly every year and one simple test could save them, but no they are wasting money on this! Another nanny state intrusion, where a simple question about smoking would do!

[VinegarDrinker]

Group B strep is not tested for because there is no evidence to show screening has any benefit (because many women carry it at various points in pregnancy but don't happen to have it during labour and vice versa). It is nothing to do with money saving.

[K8Middleton]

Vinegar, you're an ob aren't you? What are your thoughts on referring women on the basis of a CO test who claim to be non-smokers and giving them nicotine? It sounds bonkers to me but I'm a lay person.

[LEMisdisappointed]

I am the first person to judge someone who smokes (pregnant or not!), so i obviously don't smoke. I would absolutely tell them to fuck off to fuck - it is the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard. But obviously the NHS has all this excess money it has to get rid of so you can't blame them really

[LEMisdisappointed]

I refused the HIV test - they did it anyway

[DearlyDepartedMrsFinch]

I had this test at my booking in appointment in April (sadly miscarried at 11+4 a couple of weeks ago).

I am a non-smoker and found it quite intrusive. Felt like I had to prove something, as if my word was not enough. There was some mention of faulty boilers

As already mentioned upthread , I suspect that those who might lie about their smoking might not be those most receptive to assistance in stopping.

[Greythorne]

lem

Out of interest, why did you refuse the HIV test?

[HoleyGhost]

I have never smoked, passed the test but was still blamed by midwives as my baby did not grow well. As I had no risk factors and was not overweight, they decided I must have caused the problems by dieting. They clearly thought I was lying as I once had ketones in my urine. I never tried to control my weight.


This was also in Glasgow, which seems to be a theme on these threads.

[HoleyGhost]

Had I refused the smoking test, I would have regretted it as they would probably have assumed I had lied about smoking. However having had the test made no difference - they still found a way to make it something I had done wrong.

Even if I had been an anorexic smoker I would still have deserved adequate care and compassion. But they did not have the resources.

[AtYourCervix]

They are already here. The results are compared with a chart (red, amber, green). And also how much the fetus is getting.

Women who smoke are offered contact with smoking cessation midwife throughout the pregnancy.

Like all tests in pregnancy it is optional but I don't know how many women know it is.

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

Holey :( I think there must be a serious problem with some of the maternity services in Glasgow. A lot of the staff seem to lack any compassion.

I do wonder if it is because we have such a high rate of drug addicts here and being used to being lied too? The staff sometimes seem numbed to actual problems.

[coffeeinbed]

I would expect them to trust me to tell the truth when asked if I smoke or not
After all, it's my baby.
I would say no to a test.

[DoodleAlley]

Had dd in past few weeks and got given thus test as standard a couple of times.

Not even explained what for other than "carbon monoxide test"

[HoleyGhost]

So what if some drug adicts and some smokers lie? They should still be treated with compassion and respect. What is the point of the blame culture? It is only helpful to any hcps on a power trip.

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

Holey I'm not blaming anyone and yes drug addicts and smokers should get the same respect as anyone else, I just meant that the MWs seem kind of hardened here IYKWIM?

[GlaikitFizzog]

What next though, blood tests to show no alcohol or that we haven't eaten something from the banned list (I would have failed, rare steak and blue cheese was a rather vicious craving I had), compulsory vitamins?

I'm in Scotland but wasn't offered the test, however my booking in MW did no tests at all and just lectured me on my weight and insisted I was a high risk pregnancy because of it and my PCOS. Later confirmed by consultant that I wasn't!

[Jux]

Bloody hell! Resist, resist, resist. Nanny state. FGS. These bloody organisations can't think of anything else to do but come up with more and more ways to infantilise people. If they've got time to come up with this rubbish then they're unnecessary.

[HoleyGhost]

Shro, I do know what you mean, but I wish it was not this way.

I was completely trusting of midwives before my first baby was born & their hardened attitudes were a total shock. I hope I will be more assertive this time, but it is hard when vulnerable.

[andadietcoke]

I too had this at booking in. I don't think I was told it was a test for smoking - just for carbon monoxide, so I was happy to have it in case something was leaking at home (which is what I assumed they were checking for).

I've never smoked but I think I would feel somewhat belittled if I'd told the mw I'd stopped smoking only to be subsequently 'tested'. I guess it depends on whether they are just testing for smoke, or screening for pollution or carbon monoxide as well.

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

Holey I know. :( I guess they are just so over worked that they start to blank out the realities of situations. I am now with the homebirth MW this time round and am shocked at the difference in attitudes and approach. The MW I have is seriously lovely.

[VinegarDrinker]

K8 I agree it sounds bonkers. There is much wrong with the NHS undoubtedly but I can't believe anyone would actually be put on nicotine replacement therapy (and take it!) if they were a non smoker though.