What effect can maternal smoking have on infant health?

Maternal smoking is significantly associated with a variety of adverse effects on infant health, one of which is low birth weight. When a mother smokes during pregnancy, the harmful substances in tobacco can restrict blood flow and reduce oxygen supply to the developing fetus. This can hinder growth and development, leading to infants being born with lower birth weights compared to those born to non-smoking mothers. Lower birth weight is a critical factor as it can be linked to a range of health problems for the infant, including a higher risk of health complications both at birth and later in life.

In contrast, higher birth weight is typically associated with healthier pregnancy outcomes, and smoking does not promote this. Furthermore, maternal smoking does not have a neutral effect on health—rather, it poses significant risks that can affect both the mother and the baby throughout pregnancy. Lastly, maternal smoking is more often linked to preterm birth rather than longer gestation periods, which further underscores the detrimental impact of smoking on the pregnancy experience and infant health.