Researchers are preparing to start a study in Nunavut's Baffin region to determine why pregnant women smoke, and develop recommendations on how to help them butt out.

The study, which is awaiting final approval from the Nunavut Research Institute to proceed, will examine the smoking behaviours of 70 pregnant women in the Iqaluit and Baffin region.

One of the researchers, Robert Reid of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, told CBC News that the project will help determine "whether there are new ways, or new techniques or new types of assistance that need to be developed to help women quit smoking - if, in fact, they even see that as a priority for them."

Reid and the other scientists hope to begin their work in Nunavut in September. He said they will conduct in-depth interviews with 20 women in their final stages of pregnancy.

Another 50 pregnant women will be surveyed about their motivations and confidence in their ability to quit smoking, he added.

Reid said health-care providers will also be interviewed to discover the strategies that help pregnant women quit smoking.

Health Canada estimates 20 per cent to 30 per cent of pregnant women are smokers, with many quitting or cutting down during pregnancy.

The federal agency warns that smoking can increase the risks of miscarriages and other health complications for women during pregnancy.

It also warns that the chemicals in tobacco smoke can be passed onto the fetus, and result in lower birth weights and health problems.

At the same time, little is known about what would help pregnant women quit smoking.

The Nunavut study will not focus exclusively on Inuit women.

But the Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada organization, which is assisting the project in an advisory role, says the research could show them what works best to help Inuit women kick the habit.

"We're definitely looking at directing a lot of our education programs as being Inuit specific," said Geri Bailey, the organization's manager of health programs.

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