Cigarette smoking.(Drugs, Pregnancy, And Lactation)

About 15%-29% of pregnant women smoke in pregnancy, which can cause significant fetal and infant toxicity and lead to other adverse outcomes that may persist long after birth.

Many physicians aren't aware of all the problems associated with smoking before or during gestation, including reduced fecundity, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, abnormal placentation, growth retardation, premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), preterm delivery, and increased perinatal mortality

The association of smoking with spontaneous abortion has been controversial. The overall risk appears to be only slightly increased, but may be increased twofold in heavy smokers.

The risk of placenta previa and placental abruption is increased by about 50%, rising with the number of cigarettes smoked.

Symmetrical fetal growth retardation is a well-known adverse effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy, with an average reduction in birth weight of 200 g. The risk of having a low-birth-weight (

Stopping smoking before 32 weeks' gestation may prevent the adverse effects on birth weight and head circumference but has not been shown to prevent decreased height or increased ponderal index (i.e., a shorter and/or fatter infant).

For women who smoke at least 20 cigarettes/day, there is a twofold increased risk of PROM before 33 weeks. About 5% of all premature births can be attributed to maternal smoking.