[Maternal active or passive smoking in relation to some neonatal morphological parameters and complications]

To determine the relationship between maternal active and passive smoking and neonatal morphological parameters, as well as some neonatal complications in full-term newborns.

150 women with uncomplicated, singleton pregnancies were assessed by means of a patient questionnaire. Neonates were divided into 3 groups according to obtained information on maternal smoking status--active smoking: n=51, passive smoking: n=49, non-smoking: n=50. Immediately after birth morphological parameters such as: birthweight, body length, head and chest circumference were assessed.

Values of birthweight, body length, head and chest circumference in newborns born to active smoking mothers were significantly lower than in newborns of passive smoking and non-smoking mothers. No significant differences in values of RBC, WBC, PLT Hemoglobin and Hematocrit between the studied groups have been detected. Oxygen hood was applied significantly more often in case of newborns from active smoking mothers than in the control subjects. In groups of newborns from active and passive smoking mothers, hyperbilirubinemia and signs of early onset infection were diagnosed significantly more frequently than in the control subjects.

Active maternal smoking, as opposed to passive maternal smoking, leads to decreased birthweight, body length, head and chest circumference. Full-term newborns born to active smoking mothers often need to be treated with oxygen hood during the first hours after birth. Maternal smoking, both active and passive, leads to an increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia and early onset infection in neonates.