Many Women Smoke During Pregnancy, Marathon News

Experts in Marathon County are sharing some shocking news about the number of women using tobacco during pregnancy. The data, from the Marathon County Life Report, says almost a fifth of women who give birth in the county use tobacco. "The state rate for pregnant women who smoke is quite high, but in Marathon County we even have a higer rate than the state," says Public Health Educator, Renee Trowbridge. "But yeah when you see a pregnant woman smoking that just goes to show how strong the addiction is." Experts say babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a low birth weight as well as a cleft lip. The report also points out that for every smoker who quits, Wisconsin saves over $1,600 in Medicaid and other healthcare costs. Tobacco remains the number one preventable cause of death.