Just in Time for New Year's Resolutions, BabyCenter(R) Helps Pregnant Women Kick the Smoking Habit

Just in Time for New Year's Resolutions, BabyCenter(R) Helps Pregnant Women Kick the Smoking Habit

New Smoking Cessation Resource Center Meets the Unique Needs of Pregnant Women

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- BabyCenter(R), L.L.C., the leading online resource for new and expectant parents, today launched "Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy," a comprehensive online area focused on helping moms-to-be quit successfully. BabyCenter.com is the only Web site that provides an evaluation of quitting methods specifically tailored for pregnant women. Plus, the unique resource center provides information about the harmful effects of smoking, smoking cessation advice, and an active online support group all in one place.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 11% of women -- over 400,000 in 2003 -- smoked during pregnancy. Multiple studies have shown that smoking significantly raises the risk for pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth. It also raises the child's risk for SIDS, asthma, and other serious health problems.

Ideally, women should quit smoking prior to trying to conceive. However, results of a BabyCenter(R) online poll indicate that this rarely happens -- only 14% of respondents quit before getting pregnant. While 45% of respondents said they quit as soon as they found out they were pregnant, the remaining 41% of respondents continued to smoke during part or all of their pregnancy. Despite the extra motivation of having a child, respondents confirm that quitting during pregnancy is not easy. Almost half of the respondents said it took more than one try -- and 19% more than five tries -- to quit "for good."

"Because smokers are often stigmatized, many pregnant women feel pressure to hide or minimize their habit," said Marcella Bernhard, BabyCenter associate editor. "But what these expecting moms really need is support. At BabyCenter, they have access to medically approved information, along with inspiration and real-world advice from other women committed to quitting. Plus, they can stay anonymous, which helps some smokers open up and get honest about their need to quit."

The "Quitting Smoking" resource center helps prepare women for the physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal. It features an objective evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of various quitting methods during pregnancy, including options ranging from prescription bupropion, over-the-counter nicotine replacement, and drug-free options such as acupuncture and hypnosis.

"With our new 'Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy' resource center we're responding to the real needs of women by providing invaluable information, resources, and support at a critical time in their lives," said Mari Baker, president of BabyCenter. "This site expands our online campaign to help women make healthier choices and have healthier babies. It also serves as logical extension of our ongoing support for the March of Dimes' efforts to reduce prematurity and infant mortality."

On the "Quit Smoking" bulletin board, BabyCenter(R) members have already shared hundreds of posts with suggestions about combatting cravings, dealing with guilt, enlisting the support of family, and getting started. One member suggested smoking your last cigarette before going to bed so you have 8 hours of success to celebrate the next day, while another advised quitting right after a teeth cleaning at the dentist to help feel the fresh start.

The resource center also provides advice for pregnant women who have partners, family, or friends who smoke. For more information on "Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy," log on to http://www.babycenter.com/quitsmoking .

About BabyCenter(R)

BabyCenter(R), L.L.C. operates www.babycenter.com, the most visited online resource for new and expectant parents, and www.parentcenter.com, the leading online resource for parents of children ages 2 to 8. Offering extensive, medical advisory board-approved content, BabyCenter's Web sites attract an average of 3 million visitors each month, as measured by comScore Media Metrix, and have been honored with numerous awards, including an Online Journalism Award. In addition, BabyCenter.com and ParentCenter.com offer an array of interactive tools, a supportive online community, a premium subscription service, and an online store featuring thousands of products for parents and children. The BabyCenter(R) LLC family of Web sites also includes BabyCentre.co.uk. BabyCenter(R) LLC is a member of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies.


Source: BabyCenter, L.L.C.

CONTACT: Kathryn Grant of KGPR, +1-415-826-0375, or Kathryn@kg-pr.com,
for BabyCenter, L.L.C.

Web site: http://www.babycenter.com/


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