What was the impact on pregnancy complications when Scotland introduced Smoke-free Legislation in 2006?
There is substantial evidence that both active smoking during pregnancy and maternal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
The introduction of national, comprehensive smoke-free legislation in Scotland was associated with significant reductions in preterm delivery and babies being born small for gestational age.
Data was collected between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2009 using the Scottish Morbidity Record for all deliveries in Scotland. This Record collects information on all women discharged from Scottish maternity hospitals, including any pregnancy complications.
This work uses data provided by patients and collected by the health professionals as part of the care and support provided.
