To reduce fetal death risk to that of a non-smoker, when must a woman quit smoking?

To reduce the risk of fetal death to that of a non-smoker, it is crucial for a woman to quit smoking by the end of the first trimester. This timeline is vital because the first trimester is a critical period for fetal development when organogenesis occurs. Smoking during this period is associated with numerous negative outcomes, including increased risks of miscarriage and developmental complications.

Quitting by the end of the first trimester allows the body to start healing and reducing the harmful effects of nicotine and other toxic substances found in cigarettes. During this period, the placenta begins to form and take over roles in nutrient and oxygen transfer to the fetus, making it essential for the mother to eliminate harmful substances as soon as possible. By refraining from smoking during this developmental phase, the risks associated with fetal death can significantly decrease, aligning the risks closer to those seen in non-smokers.

Delaying cessation until later in the pregnancy, such as the second trimester or the onset of labor, does not effectively mitigate the risks as the early critical developmental processes have already occurred. Therefore, the emphasis is placed on quitting within the first trimester to optimize fetal health outcomes.