Survey of pregnant women highlights rise in reported vaping
An anonymous questionnaire completed by expectant mothers has found vaping to be an emerging area of concern.
The Survey of Pregnant Women 2025 follows previous rounds in 2005, 2009, 2015 and 2020, and was intended to monitor the reported prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and vaping among respondents who were pregnant at the time of answering.
A total of 60 pregnant women took part.
The survey, published by the Department for National Drug Control, combined the World Health Organisation’s alcohol use disorders identification test, with questions on tobacco and marijuana use and, for the second time, electronic vaping.
Just over half of respondents — 55 per cent — reported never drinking alcohol.
However, 15 per cent reported consuming an alcoholic beverage since becoming pregnant, while 18.4 per cent reported having six or more drinks on one occasion.
Two respondents scored eight or more on the AUDIT, indicating hazardous or harmful alcohol use and possible alcohol dependence.
Six respondents reported using tobacco in the past year, with no reported current or past 30-day cigarette use.
Nearly one in five said they quit smoking because they became pregnant, while more than 91 per cent said they were aware of the harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy.
About one in four respondents reported using marijuana in the past year, while 1.7 per cent reported current use.
Additionally, the survey found that 16.7 per cent of respondents reported having used an e-cigarette or other electronic nicotine product.
That represented a sharp rise from 3.1 per cent in the 2020 survey.
Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: “This survey gives us important evidence from 60 pregnant women who voluntarily participated and it helps the Department for National Drug Control and our health partners better understand the choices, risks and support needs that may exist during pregnancy.
“I encourage members of the public, health professionals and community partners to review the report and support continued efforts to improve the health and safety of mothers, babies and families in Bermuda.”
• To see the report, see Related Media
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