Which condition is associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy?

Maternal smoking during pregnancy has a well-established link to low birth weight. When a pregnant individual smokes, it can impair the growth of the fetus, leading to several complications, including reduced birth weight. The chemicals in tobacco, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, can restrict blood flow to the placenta and decrease the oxygen supply to the developing baby. This insufficient nutrient and oxygen supply can result in babies being born with lower birth weight compared to those born to non-smoking mothers.

While preterm labor, respiratory disorders, and neural tube defects may be associated with different maternal risk factors, low birth weight is the most direct outcome tied specifically to maternal smoking. Research consistently shows that the risk of infants being born at a low weight increases significantly with maternal smoking during pregnancy, making this condition a key concern for prenatal health.