Nicotine Exposure During Pregnancy and Postnatal Cognitive Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Nicotine exposure during pregnancy disrupts critical fetal brain development periods.
• This disruption affects neurodevelopmental timing and function.
• Understanding the long-term cognitive consequences is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of prenatal nicotine exposure on postnatal cognitive outcomes.
• To identify specific cognitive domains vulnerable to prenatal nicotine exposure.
• To highlight the need for further human research.

Main Methods:

• Searched Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and OpenGrey databases without date restrictions.
• Included 1 human study and 8 animal studies.
• Focused on studies measuring postnatal cognitive outcomes during the pre-weaning period.

Main Results:

• Prenatal nicotine exposure negatively affected spatial memory (Cohen's d = -1.117) and reflex development (d = -1.126).
• Animal studies showed negative impacts on centre exploration (d = -1.054).
• No significant effects were observed on ambulation or rearing in animal models.

Conclusions:

• Reflex development appears particularly vulnerable to prenatal nicotine exposure.
• The limited number of human studies necessitates urgent further investigation.
• Findings underscore the importance of informed recommendations regarding nicotine use during pregnancy.