A recent study has found that light smoking during pregnancy can still have negative effects on birth outcomes, even if the mother quits smoking during pregnancy. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Adelaide, found that light smoking – defined as smoking less than 10 cigarettes per day – was associated with an increased risk of poor birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and small size for gestational age.
The study looked at data from over 7,000 women in Australia who gave birth between 2009 and 2013. The researchers found that women who smoked lightly during pregnancy were more likely to have babies with these adverse outcomes compared to women who did not smoke at all during pregnancy. Even women who quit smoking during pregnancy were still at an increased risk of poor birth outcomes compared to non-smokers.
These findings highlight the importance of quitting smoking before pregnancy or as early as possible during pregnancy to reduce the risk of poor birth outcomes. The researchers noted that even light smoking can have detrimental effects on fetal development and growth, underscoring the need for pregnant women to avoid smoking entirely.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence showing the harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy. It is well-known that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of other health problems for both the mother and the baby. This new research further emphasizes the importance of supporting pregnant women in quitting smoking and promoting smoke-free environments to improve birth outcomes and overall maternal and child health.
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