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Smoking in pregnancy — DRCOG MCQ

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EasyAntenatal CareSmoking in pregnancyDRCOG

A 22-year-old woman at 9 weeks' gestation smokes 12 cigarettes daily. She wants to stop but has not succeeded with willpower. Carbon monoxide testing is raised at booking. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Refer to stop-smoking support and discuss nicotine replacement if needed

Smoking cessation support should be offered in pregnancy, with referral to specialist stop-smoking services and consideration of nicotine replacement when behavioural support alone is insufficient. Cutting down without structured support is less effective. Varenicline is not first-line in pregnancy. Sensitive but clear counselling is important because smoking increases miscarriage, growth restriction and stillbirth risks.

Reference: NICE NG209; NICE NG201