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Long-term impact of tobacco exposure during pregnancy on children's psychomotor development

Aurela Saliaj1, Majlinda Zahaj2, Prifti Vasilika2

  • 1Department of Health care, Faculty of Health, University 'Ismail Qemali' of Vlora, Vlora, Albania.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|October 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Maternal smoking, including second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy, significantly impacts child psychomotor development. Children exposed to tobacco in utero show increased risks of developmental delays by age 3-6 years.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Maternal smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) during pregnancy are linked to adverse pregnancy and postpartum outcomes.
  • Prenatal tobacco exposure can have lasting effects on child development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of prenatal tobacco exposure (active and passive) on psychomotor development in children aged 3-6 years.
  • To identify children at risk for developmental delays due to fetal tobacco exposure.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 160 mothers and their children aged 3-6 years.
  • Comparison of psychomotor development scores (using Age & Stage Questionnaires 3® - ASQ-3) between children exposed to maternal smoking/SHS in utero and a control group.
  • Categorization of children into groups based on active smoking, SHS exposure, or non-smoking maternal history during pregnancy.

Main Results:

  • Children exposed to tobacco prenatally had significantly lower average psychomotor development scores (221 points) compared to the control group (243.5 points).
  • Twenty-six percent of exposed children had delays in one psychomotor area, and 60% had two or more delays.
  • In contrast, only 36% of non-exposed children showed normal development, with 34% experiencing multiple psychomotor delays.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal tobacco exposure increases the likelihood of psychomotor development falling into 'monitor' or 'fail' categories.
  • Children exposed to smoking in utero are a high-risk group for developmental delays and require close monitoring and support.
  • Early identification and intervention by caregivers and developmental pediatricians are crucial for supporting at-risk children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Ages & Stages Questionnaires-3®children's psychomotor developmentpregnancytobacco exposure

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