Experience and Perceptions of Perinatal Smoke Exposure Among Ultra-Orthodox Women in Israel

Healthcare providers should assess ultra-Orthodox pregnant and postpartum women about smoke exposure at home. It is critical to educate the women about the risks of secondhand smoke from combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes, explaining that exposure occurs even in the absence of odor. To reduce exposure, advise families to implement rules against smoking in the home and in the proximity of pregnant women and children. Considering religious and cultural needs, coordinate discussions with rabbinic authorities and healthcare providers in their communities to develop culturally respectful recommendations and programs for mitigating secondhand smoke exposure, educating about the risks of smoke exposure framed in a religious context.