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This review provides an overview of current guidelines regarding NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) use in pregnancy, considering the existing evidence base on safety, efficacy and effectiveness.

In addition, it outlines pragmatic suggestions for clinical practice and implications for policy and future research.

Details

1. Develop an understanding of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), recommended in current Australian clinical guidelines for pregnant women who are unable to quit smoking unassisted
2. Become aware of the effects of nicotine on the fetal development in animal models, and the safety and efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy in human studies
3. Use this review as a practical guide on how the risks versus benefits of NRT use during pregnancy could be articulated, and how and when to decide whether to use or increase NRT during pregnancy

Authors: Yael Bar-Zeev, Ling Li Lim, Billie Bonevski, Maree Gruppetta, Gillian S Gould

Article Type: Narrative review