Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Cigarette smoking increases several health risks, including maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes if smoking during pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa, abruptio placenta, preterm premature rupture of membranes, low birthweight (less than 2,500 grams), intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine fetal death, neonatal respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, need of transfer of newborn to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and more than 7 days NICU admission of the newborn and neonatal infection have been reported to have increased risk in cigarette-smoking pregnant women. Risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes were found to be dose-dependent, with the highest risk found among heavy smokers (more than/equal to 20 cigarettes per day).