Effect on birth weight of smoking in pregnancy

Maternal cigarette consumption during pregnancy, and infant birth weight were assessed in 427 consecutive births at BMH Rinteln. Smokers comprised 46.1% of the mothers. Babies born to mothers who smoked were significantly lighter than those born to non-smoking mothers, regardless of birth order. Smoking mothers were disproportionately represented in the low birth weight group. (19 out of 24) There are clear implications for military obstetric and paediatric practice.