The study investigates the necessity of women quitting smoking before conception and whether there is a safe period for smoking during pregnancy.
A recent study from China, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, discovered that even light smoking before pregnancy can result in serious health issues for the newborn baby.
The study reaffirmed the common belief that smoking at any point during pregnancy is dangerous for the growing fetus. Suggesting that women should break the habit while still trying to conceive.
The researchers collected data from birth certificates in the US National Vital Statistics System between 2016 and 2019. They were analyzing 12,150,535 mother-newborns and the number of cigarettes smoked daily.
They found that the timing of smoking cigarettes during pregnancy matters and that smoking should be avoided during all stages of pregnancy.
The study also revealed that newborns of smokers showed a higher rate of requiring assisted ventilation after birth.
Assisted ventilation for over 6 hours, NICU admission for mechanical ventilation, and surfactant replacement therapy. They also showed more significant risks for sepsis, seizures, or brain issues.
Smoking before pregnancy was associated with a 27% higher risk of newborn health issues. While the risk increased from 31% to 32% if the mother smoked at any time during pregnancy.
Even smoking 1 to 2 cigarettes a day before pregnancy led to a 16% higher chance of newborn health problems. The risk rises to 31% if they smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day.
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