We know it :smoking during pregnancy is particularly dangerous for the health of the unborn baby. Maternal smoking thus doubles the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, increases the risk of respiratory disorders (asthma, pneumonia, etc.) at birth, promotes growth retardation, increases the risk of miscarriage, etc. , absolutely to be avoided!
But tobacco could be even more harmful for the fetus than we thought… Thus, according to a recent study conducted by Inserm, the CNRS and the University of Grenoble Alpes, tobacco consumption (even when it is stopped before pregnancy!) can have serious consequences on the placenta and the development of the baby.
Quitting smoking before pregnancy is essential
The researchers (who published their work in the scientific journal BMC Medicine) studied placenta samples taken at the time of delivery from 568 women. These were categorized into 3 groups: non-smokers (having not smoked during the three months preceding pregnancy or during pregnancy), former smokers (with a cessation of consumption in the three months preceding pregnancy) and smokers (with consumption in the three months preceding pregnancy and throughout the duration of pregnancy).
Verdict? In these samples, the researchers found 178 alterations at the DNA level (potentially interfering in the development of the foetus) in women who smoked during their pregnancy… but also 26 alterations in “former smokers” women! Clearly: the placenta retains the “memory” of exposure to tobacco before pregnancy – and this could have consequences for the unborn baby.
Of course, further studies are needed to measure exactly the impact of these alterations: “the next steps of this work will aim to determine whether these alterations impact the mechanisms involved in the development of the fetus and whether they can have consequences on the health of the child“say the scientists. In the meantime, it is absolutely imperative to quit smoking when planning to become pregnant or when one discovers one is pregnant…
Source: Inserm press release
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