[Maternal smoking: effect on neonatal's health]

The influence of maternal smoking on the higher miscarriage rate, premature births and premature detachment of the placenta was proved in numerous so far undertaken medical researches. Apart from that smoking has an influence on fetal developmental retardation, low birth weight as well as the baby's abnormal development. The investigated population comprised of 100 healthy women that gave birth to their children after the 37th week of pregnancy and their newborns. The pregnant women's morphology parameters, the newborns' health (after the third minute of life according to the Apgar's scale) and the birth weight were assessed. The results achieved were analysed taking into consideration the problem of maternal smoking. The lower Apgar's notes as well as lower birth weight of the newborns whose mothers used to smoke during pregnancy were observed. The fact of being pregnant is the most significant argument for women to give up or diminish the habit of smoking.