Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy (SCIP)

The Smoking Cessation in Pregnancy program began in 1986 as a Center for Disease Control (CDC) funded research and demonstration project. Funding was awarded to three states, one of which was Maryland. The project was unique in that it chemically verified reported quit rates.Be Free

SCIP is a multi-component intervention designed to help the pregnant smoker to quit. It is a low-intensity, nurse driven intervention for patients receiving prenatal care from one of Maryland's local health departments or Medicaid Managed Health Providers. Pregnant smokers meet with nurses who counsel and help them quit or reduce their cigarette consumption. The objectives are:

  • To reduce the number of pregnant women who smoke throughout and after their pregnancies
  • To reduce the smoking-related complications of pregnancy
  • To reduce the percentage of low birth weight babies
  • To reduce the infant mortality rate
  • To contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of smoking in the adult population

Along with one-on-one counseling, participants receive self-help materials in the form of a manual and a "Quit Kit". Quit & Be Free - Health in Pregnancy is a patient manual designed to assist pregnant smokers in quitting. The "Quit Kit" contains a smoke-free baby T-shirt, a meditation CD and other items to help the pregnant smoker cope with cigarette cravings.

Lastly, we do offer a FREE training that can be conducted to better educate staff on smoking cessation and pregnant women.   If you would like to schedule training or receive materials, please use the appropriate order forms found within the Trainings and Materials Order Information link.

Download SCIP Training Manual

Download SCIP Presentation