Public HealthMaternal HealthObstetricsInfant HealthMaternal-fetal MedicinePerinatal EpidemiologyInfant MortalityLow Birth Weight EpidemiologyMaternal Health EpidemiologyMaternal SmokingPregnancyPrenatal CareBirth Weight AssessmentMaternal Cigarette SmokingMaternal Smoking ExposureMaternal Smoking PrevalenceSmoking History AssessmentSmoking History In PregnancySmoking Intensity During PregnancyTobacco Use Among Pregnant Women
1300 patients were checked prior to delivery, and interrogated about their current smoking history to assess the effects of maternal cigarette smoking on the birth weight of the infant. 61% of patients were nonsmokers, 21% smoked less than 10 cigarettes a day, 13% smoked 10-20 cigarettes a day, and 5% more than 20 cigarettes a day. Mean birth weight of infants born to nonsmoking mothers was significantly less in each of the 3 last groups. Smoking, however, did not lead to an increased incidence of congenital abnormalities, and perinatal mortality rate was similar for all groups. From this study, and from a review of the literature on the subject, it seems evident that pregnant women should refrain from smoking.