Smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of giving birth prematurely, according to a new study from the University of Cambridge.
- Cambridge researchers found that women who smoke during pregnancy are 2.6 times more likely to give birth prematurely than non-smokers.
- This is more than double the previous estimate of 1.27.
- Babies of smokers have a birth weight more than 10% lower than that of the average newborn.
A study, presented in the journal Journal of Epidemiology on September 28, confirmed what has been said for decades: Smoking during pregnancy is harmful to the baby’s health. Researchers from the University of Cambridge are particularly precise: cThis bad habit doubles the risk of premature birth.
Pregnancy and tobacco: a risk twice as high as the previous estimate
To better identify the risks of smoking during pregnancy, scientists recruited more than 4,200 pregnant women between 2008 and 2012. Among other things, the team examined their rate of cotinine (nicotine metabolite)which can be detected in blood, urine and saliva. The results revealed that expectant mothers who smoke are 2.6 times more likely to give birth prematurely compared to non-smokers. This is more than double the previous estimate.
Furthermore, cigarette smokers were 4.1 times more likely to have their fetus display stunted growth. These babies were on average 387 g lighter at birth than those whose mothers did not smoke. This weight difference increases the risk that the baby will be considered low birth weight (2.5 kg or less), “which is linked to an increased risk of developmental problems and poor health later in life”, add the authors in their communicated.
Professor Gordon Smith, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cambridge, explains: “We’ve known for a long time that smoking during pregnancy isn’t good for the baby, but our study shows it’s potentially much worse than previously thought. This puts the baby at risk of potentially serious complications from growing too slowly in the womb or being born too early.”.
“We Hopefully this knowledge will encourage pregnant mothers and women planning a pregnancy to seek smoking cessation services. Pregnancy is a key time for women to quit smoking and if they can stay tobacco-free after birth, there are lifelong benefits for them and their child.“
Tobacco and pregnancy: no link with pre-eclampsia
Some previous studies have suggested that tobacco exposure may be linked to a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia, a potentially serious complication for mother and baby. However, the data collected by the team does not point in this direction. Scientists have not seen no correlation between smoking during pregnancy and a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia.
Another point clarified by this study: Researchers did not find significant evidence of an association between caffeine consumption during pregnancy and potential risks to the fetus.