Studies done by St. George’s University of London suggest that, exercise can help pregnant and non pregnant women to quit smoking. Nicotine, in cigarettes, is addictive and is responsible for lower birth weight, higher infant mortality, learning disabilities and health concerns in childhood.

Michael Ussher and colleagues, conducted studies on women with 12 to 20 weeks of pregnancy, above 18years of age, who smoked at least one cigarette a day. In one group, the participants exercised once a week for six weeks and other group underwent two sessions of exercise a week, for six weeks.

The results were astonishing, as quarter of the 32 women gave up smoking before giving birth besides weight loss, improved self-image and reduced cravings. Researchers are presently conducting a bigger trial on 850 women, Dr Ussher claimed.

Approximately some 17 % and 20% of pregnant women smoke in the UK and US respectively. Although nicotine patches are helpful in quitting smoking, but it may be harmful to the fetus. Conclusively, exercise is a healthier option for pregnant women.