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The impact of maternal smoking on fetal and infant growth

S E Vielwerth1, R B Jensen, T Larsen

  • 1University Department of Neonatology, Rigshospitalet, Section 5023, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. signe.vielwerth@rh.hosp.dk

Early Human Development
|November 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Maternal smoking significantly reduces linear growth more than other low birth weight causes. Reducing smoking in pregnancy benefits third-trimester growth, despite initial smaller fetal size.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) is linked to accelerated postnatal growth and adult health issues.
  • Maternal smoking is a primary risk factor contributing to LBW.
  • Understanding growth patterns associated with LBW risk factors is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare pre- and postnatal growth in infants born with LBW due to maternal smoking versus other risk factors.
  • To evaluate the impact of maternal smoking reduction on fetal and infant growth.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 269 mother-infant pairs was followed.
  • Third-trimester ultrasound and postnatal anthropometric measurements up to 6 months were collected.
  • Maternal smoking habits were assessed at 18 and 28 weeks of gestation.

Main Results:

  • Maternal smoking correlated with a greater reduction in birth length SDS compared to other LBW causes (mean difference: -0.25 SDS, P=0.013).
  • Mothers who reduced smoking had smaller fetuses (mean difference: 2.6 days, P=0.012) but similar birth weights compared to heavy smokers.
  • Infants of mothers who reduced smoking showed lower weight at 3 months (mean difference: -0.38 SDS, P=0.045).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal smoking is associated with a more pronounced reduction in linear growth, potentially originating before the third trimester.
  • Reducing smoking during pregnancy positively impacts third-trimester fetal growth.
  • Early fetal size may influence a mother's decision to reduce smoking in mid-pregnancy.
Abstract

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