University Honors

The use of electronic nicotinic delivery systems (ENDS) by pregnant women and women ofreproductive age is a growing concern. Due to the perception that electronic cigarettes (ECs) aresafe or less harmful than smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes, there has been an uptake in ECuse among all demographics. In pregnant women who use ECs, the most commonly reportedreasons are out of curiosity, their attempts to quit smoking, and general perceptions of reducedharm. Recent studies involving Zebrafish, rats, and mouse animal models have shown thatprenatal exposure to EC can cause significant health defects in dams. However, comprehensiveresearch is needed to investigate EC's short- and long-term effects on human maternal, fetal, andchild health and development. This review aims to understand how the use of ECs by womenaffects embryonic and fetal development by determining the effect of ECs and dual-use (ECs +tobacco cigarettes) on pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review completed a search ofdatabases including Google Scholar, Pubmed, and independent journals relating to electronicnicotine delivery systems and pregnancy outcomes. Articles were limited by language and dateas later research provided a more comprehensive standing. Articles without full or open accesswere not included. A total of 31 studies were included in the review showing ECs cause lowbirth weights (LBW), oxidative stress, increased disease susceptibility, impaired braindevelopment, impaired memory, or non-significant findings. This review provides insights intothe emerging trends and challenges associated with EC use during pregnancy, emphasizing theneed for further research to inform public health policies and enhance our understanding of therisks posed to public health.