[Effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on fetal brain development]

Tobacco during pregnancy remains a health priority. It is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and intra-uterine growth retardation which are well-known risk factors of diplegia or cognitive sequellae. Several studies support the existence of an association between smoking in pregnancy and a less optimal cognitive development. However this point has not been confirmed in a few recent studies, in particular when confounding factors are taken into account. Behavioral disorders are significantly associated with smoking during pregnancy. Nicotine was the best studied component of tobacco in animal studies. It was show that it interferes directly by stimulation of neurotransmitters or indirectly by inducing brain hypoxia.