(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — Kentucky has emerged as one of the nation’s leaders in reducing smoking during pregnancy, ranking fourth among all U.S. states for progress made between 2016 and 2021, according to a new analysis.
The study, conducted by Birth Injury Lawyers Group using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that Kentucky decreased its maternal smoking rate by 5.7 percentage points during the five-year period — dropping from 18.4% in 2016 to 12.7% in 2021.
The analysis examined maternal smoking data across all U.S. states to identify where the most significant declines occurred during pregnancy.
“Smoking during pregnancy poses serious risks to both mother and baby, including premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and even pregnancy loss,” a spokesperson for Birth Injury Lawyers said. “Every percentage point decrease represents healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for newborns.”
Despite the progress, Kentucky’s 2021 rate of 12.7% remains above the national average, indicating continued work is needed to further reduce maternal smoking in the state.
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group recommended that states maintain momentum by expanding prenatal education programs and increasing access to smoking cessation resources specifically designed for pregnant women.
The firm specializes in protecting the rights of infants and mothers affected by birth injuries and pregnancy complications.
Health officials have long warned that smoking during pregnancy can restrict oxygen flow to the developing fetus and expose babies to harmful chemicals, leading to both short-term and long-term health complications.
The full study data is available through the CDC and Birth Injury Lawyers Group.