The percentage of women who smoke while pregnant has gone up in some Northern Kentucky counties even though the rates are falling across the state and nationwide. Between 2005 and 2009, the percentage of women who smoke while pregnant increased from 34 percent to 39 percent in Grant County and from 18 percent to 19 percent in Boone County.
Among the counties served by the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department, only Campbell County showed a decrease during the reporting period, from 32 percent to 24 percent.
In Kenton County, the percentage remained the same, at 30 percent.
The risks of smoking during pregnancy are well-documented. Premature delivery, low birth weight and higher incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are just some of the dangers linked to smoking while pregnant.
