Wisconsin seeks to help moms-to-be kick smoking

MADISON,Wisconsin (AP):

State health officials are trying to help pregnant women who smoke kick the habit.

Health administrators say at least 13 per cent of women in Wisconsin smoke during pregnancy. That's higher than the national average of nine per cent.

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health says smoking while pregnant can lead to a number of complications, including miscarriage, premature or low-weight birth, birth defects and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS.

The state's First Breath programme provides counselling to pregnant women who want to quit smoking. Badger Care Plus members who are pregnant and smoke may be eligible to participate in the Striving to Quit programme, which offers cash incentives for quitting.

September is national infant mortality month.