Vaping during pregnancy and maternal, fetal, and infant health outcomes: A scoping review of human and animal studies
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of vaping, defined as the use of e-cigarettes, during pregnancy is increasing, but its effects on maternal, fetal, and infant health remain incompletely understood. Human studies are heterogeneous and largely observational with a primary focus on neonatal and infant outcomes and limited assessment of maternal physiology. In contrast, pre-clinical animal studies suggest potential biological effects across maternal vascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental systems. A comprehensive mapping of the existing evidence is therefore needed to characterise the scope of research to date and identify key gaps in the literature.
Objective: To map the extent, range, and nature of human and animal studies examining the effects of vaping during pregnancy on maternal, fetal, and infant health outcomes, and to describe key methodological features and gaps to inform future research.
Materials and methods: A scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Electronic database searches for human and animal studies examining the effects of vaping during pregnancy were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycInfo, and grey literature, which were completed September 10th, 2025. Data were extracted on study design, population, exposure definitions, outcome domains, and use of biochemical exposure validation. No formal risk-of-bias assessment was undertaken, consistent with scoping review…
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