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Effects of maternal cigarette smoking on fetal breathing and fetal movements
The effect of cigarette smoking on fetal breathing and fetal movements was studied in 10 women with low-risk pregnancy of 34 to 38 weeks' gestation. A continuous Doppler ultrasound method was used to measure fetal breath intervals. Smoking two cigarettes caused a small increase in the rate of fetal breathing (p < 0.01), which persisted for 60 minutes; the proportion of time the fetus spent breathing was not changed. There was a decrease in the number of fetal movements felt by the mother. These findings are discussed in relation to the alleged pathophysiologic effects of tobacco smoking on the fetus.
The effect of cigarette smoking on fetal breathing and fetal movements was studied in 10 women with low-risk pregnancy of 34 to 38 weeks' gestation. A continuous Doppler ultrasound method was used to measure fetal breath intervals. Smoking two cigarettes caused a small increase in the rate of fetal breathing (p < 0.01), which persisted for 60 minutes; the proportion of time the fetus spent breathing was not changed. There was a decrease in the number of fetal movements felt by the mother. These findings are discussed in relation to the alleged pathophysiologic effects of tobacco smoking on the fetus.