Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Effects of maternal smoking on fetal growth and nutrition
Standard anthropometric measurements were made on 320 term neonates to investigate the influence of smoking on fetal growth and nutrition. Maternal height and triceps skinfold thickness were also measured. Of 320 infants, 126 (39%) were born to mothers who smoked. Maternal triceps skinfold thickness was significantly smaller in smoking mothers. A correlation existed between maternal and infant triceps skinfold thickness. Measurements of infant growth, birthweight, occipito-frontal circumference, and crown-to-heel length were significantly smaller in infants of smoking mothers and remained significantly smaller when corrections were made for maternal triceps skinfold thickness, height, and social class. While these data do not exclude a nutritional mechanism for the effect of maternal smoking on the fetus, the major growth-retarding effects remain after corrections for this. This reduction in occipito-frontal circumference in infants of smoking mothers, and the possible significance of this is stressed.
Standard anthropometric measurements were made on 320 term neonates to investigate the influence of smoking on fetal growth and nutrition. Maternal height and triceps skinfold thickness were also measured. Of 320 infants, 126 (39%) were born to mothers who smoked. Maternal triceps skinfold thickness was significantly smaller in smoking mothers. A correlation existed between maternal and infant triceps skinfold thickness. Measurements of infant growth, birthweight, occipito-frontal circumference, and crown-to-heel length were significantly smaller in infants of smoking mothers and remained significantly smaller when corrections were made for maternal triceps skinfold thickness, height, and social class. While these data do not exclude a nutritional mechanism for the effect of maternal smoking on the fetus, the major growth-retarding effects remain after corrections for this. This reduction in occipito-frontal circumference in infants of smoking mothers, and the possible significance of this is stressed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Teratogenicity
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Development of the Oral Microbiota

