Vaping While Pregnant? Duke Study Reveals Dangers to Fetal Growth and Development in Mouse Model
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Some may believe flavored e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional smoking, including during pregnancy. However, new research from Duke Health shows that vaping may pose serious risks to a developing fetus, even when nicotine isn’t involved.
Recent studies estimate up to 15% of pregnant women use e-cigarettes, which function by heating a base liquid containing nicotine and flavoring and turning it into vapor that is inhaled. Yet, limited studies have been done on the use of e-cigarettes during pregnancy, and the safety of use is unknown.
“A common misconception is that nicotine is the worst part of an e-cigarette”, said Margeaux Marbrey, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke University School of Medicine.
“Although nicotine is bad, flavorings and the addition of additives (such as thickening agents or flavor additives) can actually cause some really toxic effects,” Marbrey said. “As soon as these additives are heated and aerosolized in an e-cigarette and inhaled, these toxins can move directly into the bloodstream.”
Marbrey leads a team of Duke researchers who are investigating how e-cigarettes affect pregnancy. Their latest study, published in the journal Communications Medicine, examined mice and found exposure to e-cigarettes with nicotine can impair the growth of the fetus and placenta.
Nicotine exposure may interfere with how nutrients are delivered to the fetus, similar to the effects of malnutrition, which can lead to other diseases for the baby at-term or later in life. Even without nicotine, the study found the flavored vapors may increase the risk of early miscarriage.
Researchers also discovered that genes in the placenta involved in oxygen regulation, stress response, and placental development changed depending on whether nicotine was present and whether the fetus was male or female, which could influence how the pregnancy develops.
Marbrey said that, while the study was done in animals, the findings raise serious concerns for humans.
“From our research, we can conclude that e-cigarettes, whether or not they contain nicotine, are extremely toxic to the baby during pregnancy,” said Marbrey. “E-cigarettes should not be used during pregnancy, and they are not safe.”
Marbrey said young people have shifted from traditional cigarettes to vapes in recent years, in part because they think they’re safer. According to the CDC, e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth, and nearly 6% of middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in a 2024 survey.
A separate Duke study released earlier this year reveals many popular disposable vapes contain a potent, unregulated artificial sweetener that may make them more appealing to young and first-time users.
Marbrey said it’s important for young people to understand the potential dangers e-cigarettes can cause to their health later in life. Right now, Marbrey’s lab is studying how vaping before pregnancy might affect a woman’s future fertility.
“I think this research is so important right now, because there is a lot of misinformation going around in the news, by word of mouth, and on social media,” said Marbrey. “Our research brings to light the truth that these devices are toxic.”
This research adds to growing evidence that e-cigarettes can harm pregnancy. Marbrey urges pregnant people and those planning to become pregnant to avoid vaping and seek support to quit.
Duke Health offers smoking and tobacco cessation programs through in-person or virtual visits. Click here to learn more.