Course of Pregnancy and Foetal Development inSmokers and Non-smokers

Overview

In the second stage of the European longitudinal study of pregnancy and childhood (ELSPAC)detailed anamnestic data on the mother were assessed, and objective data on the health statusduring pregnancy, delivery and on the neonate were assembled.Numerous partial results of the ELSPAC study confirmed that smoking during pregnancy has anadverse effect on the course of pregnancy and foetal development. During pregnancy in smokersproteinuria as well as the diagnosis of suspect foetal retardation were significantly more frequ-ent. During delivery placenta previa and placental abnormalities were recorded more often.The mean duration of gestational age was similar in smokers and non-smokers. The mean birthweight of newborns of women who smoked during pregnancy was on average by 107 g lower ascompared with non-smokers. Significant differences were also found in the mean length and headcircumference, always to the disadvantage of smokers.Smokers reported significantly more frequently greater fear and restlessness at the onset oflabour pains and after return from the maternity home. They get frequently more excited withoutany reason and are more tense.

Key words:
smoking, pregnancy, growth retardation