Health for Body Mind and Soul

Recent research from the Ottawa Hospital suggests smokers who experience pre-eclampsia during pregnancy are more likely to experience additional complications.  These complications may include low birth weight, preterm labor, or stillbirth.  Previous studies have indicated women who smoked experienced a lower overall incidence of pre-eclampsia.

The condition of pre-eclampsia is associated with a significant increase in blood pressure from the late first to early third trimester.  By itself, this condition may result in adverse health risks for the mother, and a variety of health risks for the fetus.

This latest study indicates that although smokers may be less likely to develop pre-eclampsia, once they do, the condition is worse than for non-smokers who develop the condition.

This study included information on 300,000 births from years 2004 to 2006.  The study revealed a few significant findings:

• Women who smoked experienced a 1.2% rate of pre-eclampsia.  The rate for non-smokers was 1.5%.
• Among women who developed pre-eclampsia, 9% of smokers had a baby with low birth weight.  This is compared to only 5% of non smokers with pre-eclampsia.
• Stillbirth rates also showed a significant increase in smokers versus non-smokers.  Smokers had a stillbirth rate of 1.8% versus 0.9% for smokers.

These findings further indicate the great importance of not smoking during pregnancy.  It is recommended for women to abstain from smoking before and throughout the pregnancy.  Smoking may significantly increase serious health risks for both mother and child.

This study was published in the online version of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, July 1, 2010.