A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health explores the association between severe neonatal morbidity (SNM) and maternal smoking before or during pregnancy. Study: Maternal cigarette smoking before or during pregnancy increases the risk of severe neonatal morbidity after delivery: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study . Image Credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock.
com How cigarette smoking affects infants Newborn death rates have declined significantly over the last century; however, SNM remains a major public health issue. Between 2007 and 2012, a significant rise in admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from 64 to 78 for every 1,000 live births, respectively, was observed in the United States. SNM increases the risk for prolonged illness and neurodevelopmental issues in affected newborns that may persist into childhood and adulthood.
Therefore, it is crucial to identify modifiable risk factors for SNM. About 10% of pregnant American women smoke, despite the well-documented risks associated with smoking on the developing fetus, some of which include preterm birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Several studies also suggest that SNM is higher among babies born to mothers who smoke.
It remains unclear how the timing and intensity of smoking during or before pregnancy affect neonatal health. Despite this, many women think they can protect their babies adequately by quitting cigaret.