Etlik City Hospital Opens Smoking Cessation Clinic for Pregnant Women

A "Smoking Cessation Clinic for Pregnant Women" has started operating at Etlik City Hospital in Ankara's Yenimahalle district, serving women who want to quit smoking. Pregnant women can book appointments through the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS).

Counseling and psychological support instead of medication

No drug treatment is given to pregnant patients at the clinic; motivational interviews and psychological support are used instead. Assoc. Prof. Serap Duru, a faculty member at the Chest Diseases Clinic, said a psychologist is also on staff. She explained that patients are invited frequently at first, with sessions scheduled weekly or every 15 days.

Duru said the clinic was set up to support women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. She added that before pregnancy, drug treatment can be planned together with the obstetrics and gynecology clinic. Patients can also apply directly at the clinic without using MHRS.

Risks for mother and baby

Duru said smoking during pregnancy carries significant risks for both mother and baby. She noted that nicotine and the toxic chemicals in tobacco products can harm the baby's development. According to her, smoking can cause low birth weight, premature birth and developmental problems, as well as health issues such as asthma and high blood pressure in childhood. She stressed that both conventional and electronic cigarettes can seriously affect a child's development.

Her sigara zararlıdır, bir tanesi bile. Nikotin bebeğe çok zararlıdır. Bebeğin beslenmesini, gelişimini bozar. Bunu düşünmek gerekir. Buraya gelmek bir adımdır.

Assoc. Prof. Serap Duru