Newly Pregnant Smokers Have a 15-Week Wind...(egnant women need to ask about smoking a...),Health

Dr. Richard Frieder, an associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, said the study authors didn't explain whether this difference in low birth weight and gestational age at delivery actually translates into a measurable difference in newborn health.

"We assume this to be true, but there was only about a half pound difference in birth weight and six days difference in gestational age. These numbers are not very impressive that one would think a big difference in neonatal health would be achieved. Still, we should assume that a half pound and six days more of gestation is better and that we should strive to help women stop smoking," he said.

There are other big issues at play when it comes to babies, women and cigarette smoke, Frieder added.

"Babies that live in 'smoking homes' have a much higher risk of respiratory ailments, such as asthma and pneumonia and SIDS. In addition, women are more susceptible to the cancer-causing effects of cigarette smoke than men. The tobacco industry specifically targets women, despite this well-known fact," he said.

More information

For more on smoking and pregnancy, visit the American Lung Association.

SOURCES: Lesley McCowan, M.D., associate professor, obstetrics and gynecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Richard Frieder, M.D., associate clinical professor, department of obstetrics and gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; March 27, 2009, BMJ, online