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A new study suggests that most men fail to give up habits such as smoking cigarettes and cannabis and drinking alcohol during their partners' pregnancy, which could be having a detrimental affect on women.

The University of Washington study reveals that men's use of the substances appears to remain fairly stable before, during and after the pregnancy.

And a surprising number of women appear to continue using the substances while with child.

Researchers were surprised to find that the rate of marijuana use during pregnancy rivaled that of cigarette smoking, with 77 per cent of women cigarette smokers and 50 percent of the women who smoked marijuana admitting to using these substances at some time during pregnancy.

While men continue these habits, it may be harder for expectant mums to quit, which could lead to harm for the baby, argued the researchers.

Jennifer Bailey, one of the report's lead authors, said that the likelihood of a mother who quits smoking or drinking during pregnancy returning to her old ways increases when the father continues to use the substances.

The UK government advises women not to drink alcohol at all while pregnant or trying to conceive, adding that if alcohol is consumed it should be limited to no more than one or two units once or twice a week.

Article published on 25/03/2008 by DryOutNow.com

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