Young men whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have lower fitness levels later in life, according to new research into the impact of maternal smoking.
A study from Finland carried out with 508 young men with an average age of 19 found that maternal smoking and excessive weight gain during pregnancy were associated with lower aerobic fitness levels later in life. The research, which was measured through the ability of young men to complete a running test at the beginning of their military service assessment, included 59 men whose mothers had smoked more than one cigarette a day throughout pregnancy.
Mothers who smoke during pregnancy are also at a higher risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction, premature birth and stillbirth. Their children are also more likely to suffer from birth defects and neurological, psychological or behavioural difficulties.
Babies born to mothers who smoke are also more at risk of suffering from asthma, chest and ear infections, pneumonia and are more susceptible to infant death syndrome. Even though they may be born as small babies, they are more at risk of obesity and insulin resistance later in life.
Dr Maria Hagnäs, lead author of the study published on Wednesday in BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, says women must make use of the advice and support available to stop smoking during pregnancy and maintain a healthy body weight during pregnancy.
Dr Geeta Kumar, chair of the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), underlined how stopping smoking is one of the most important things a pregnant woman can do to improve her baby’s health.
“It is important that women understand the risks of smoking in pregnancy and are aware of the support that is available to help them stop,” she said. “Women who are unable to quit smoking should be encouraged to abstain during their pregnancy, use nicotine replacement therapy, or to reduce smoking as much as they can.”
The study recommends that pregnant women avoid passive smoking to ensure the health of their baby and recommends that mothers are open and honest about their smoking habits with their midwife or doctor to get support as early as possible during pregnancy.
Women are reminded that electronic cigarettes are not recommended for use during pregnancy as they have been found to contain harmful substances as well as nicotine. Smoking can also affect a woman’s fertility and the quality and amount of breast milk she produces.
