Smoking Cessation Therapy during Pregnancy - Article Example

Cressman, et al., in “Smoking Cessation Therapy During Pregnancy” convincingly argue that various measures ought to be taken to ensure that the smoking cessation program during pregnancy is successful. Despite efforts to conduct pharmacotherapy, the program cannot be conducted in isolation. As such, there is need to integrate such programs with behavioral counseling and education to enhance the success of the smoking cessation process among pregnant women (Cressman, et al., 1). The chemical components of nicotine produce carcinogenic toxins.

In the recent past, new medications have improved the efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This is according to the recent Motherisk update.The contemporary NRT during pregnancy mitigates the delivery of toxins despite the fact that nicotine intake is profound during pregnancy. Such therapy is effective as it gradually eliminates withdrawal symptoms; hence, aids in the smoking cessation process (Cressman, et al., 1). The study indicates that behavioral counseling is suitable for pregnant women smoking less than five cigarettes per day because their nicotine intake is high (Cressman, et al., 2). Bupropion and Varenicline are among the contemporary NRT measures.

The research conducted by Cressman, et al., convincingly argues that NRT enhances smoking cessation among pregnant women. It is prudent to concur with the research. However, the research fails to end the ambiguity inherent in the fact that the external environment that the women are exposed to has significant influence on the process. As such, cessation may not be entirely attributed to NRT. The external environment presents psychological stressors that may contradict with the smoking cessation process.

In addition, the gestation period lasts for nine months among human beings. Therefore, the period of subjecting the pregnant women to NRT is undefined. The research fails to indicate the negative effects of NRT on pregnancy. Bupropion and Varenicline are foreign to the body and may have negative effects on the pregnancy despite their efforts to mitigate smoking among the women.The research topic “smoking cessation therapy during pregnancy” encompasses the study of life. With much interest focused towards such a study, the article acts as a stepping stone towards providing insight into the onset of life as required in Biology.

The conventional functions of the body during pregnancy are quite delicate, and women ought to create an environment conducive for the development of the baby. As a Biology student, the study provides insight on the inter-relationships between the bodily functions and environment presented to the pregnant women. Work CitedCressman, Alex M., Anna Pupco, Eunji Kim, Gideon Koren, and Pina Bozzo. "Smoking Cessation Therapy During Pregnancy." Motherisk Update 58 (2012): 1-2. Print.