Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Maternal smoking habits and cognitive development of children at age 4 years in a population-based birth cohort

Jordi Julvez1, Núria Ribas-Fitó, Maties Torrent

  • 1Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica. Barcelona, Spain. jjulvez@imim.es

International Journal of Epidemiology
|June 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is linked to lower cognitive development in children by age 4. This study highlights the impact of prenatal smoke exposure on preschooler cognitive abilities and executive functions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a known risk factor for behavioral disorders in children.
  • Limited prospective research exists on the specific effects of prenatal smoking on preschooler cognitive development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and cognitive abilities in preschoolers.
  • To quantify the impact of smoking on various cognitive domains in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A birth cohort of 420 children was established, with data collected via maternal questionnaires and cognitive assessments (McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities) at age 4.
  • Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for numerous confounding factors including socioeconomic status, parental education, and child's environment.
  • Maternal smoking habits were assessed prospectively throughout pregnancy and childhood.

Main Results:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with lower global cognitive scores in children.
  • Specific cognitive sub-areas affected include verbal, quantitative, executive function, and working memory.
  • A dose-response relationship was observed, with higher daily cigarette consumption correlating with greater cognitive deficits.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with impaired cognitive development in children by age 4.
  • These findings underscore the importance of smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women to support optimal child cognitive outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders19:57

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Published on: August 5, 2017

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 105:44

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development01:14

Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development

The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History