Psychological Symptoms Following Smoking Cessation in Pregnant Smokers

This study examined the relationship between smoking status and psychological symptoms in pregnant women across pregnancy. Participants were 45 women who quit smoking early in pregnancy (early quitters), 22 who quit later in pregnancy (later quitters), and 84 who smoked throughout pregnancy (never quitters). Assessments of smoking status and psychological symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory) occurred near first prenatal visit, second visit, and end of pregnancy. Results indicated that scores on the Global Severity Index of the Brief Symptom Inventory, several Brief Symptom Inventory subscales, and on the Beck Depression Inventory were highest among never quitters, lowest among early quitters, and intermediate for later quitters. Scores decreased across pregnancy, especially between first and second assessments. We found no evidence that quitting smoking increased psychological symptoms either in the immediate post-withdrawal period or later in pregnancy. These findings should temper concerns that quitting smoking may have detrimental psychological consequences during pregnancy.