Reuters reported Jan. 2 that study author Maria Morales-Suarez-Varela and colleagues from the University of Valencia found that female smokers who used nicotine-replacement therapies during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy experienced a higher rate of birth defects. In fact, nicotine patch, gum, and inhaler users were more likely to have children with birth defects than women who smoked during pregnancy, according to the study of 76,768 women.

Researchers speculated that the nicotine from patches and other anti-craving devices may be absorbed differently by the body, raising perinatal health risks.

The study was published in the January 2006 issue of the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Morales-Suárez-Varela, M. M., et al. (2006) Smoking Habits, Nicotine Use, and Congenital Malformations. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 107: 51-57.

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