Cigarette Smoking in Pregnancy: Its Influence on Birth Weight and Perinatal Mortality. Issue 5806 (15th April 1972)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butler, N. R.; Goldstein, H.; Ross, E. M.
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 2:Issue 5806(1972)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 130
• Publication Date: 1972-04-15
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.2.5806.127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : In a British population cigarette smoking during pregnancy increased the late fetal plus neonatal mortality rate by 28% and reduced birth weight by 170 g, and these differences persist even after allowing for a number of "mediating" maternal and social variables. A change in smoking habit by the end of the fourth month of pregnancy places a mother in the risk category appropriate to her changed habit. This evidence should have important implications for health education aimed at getting pregnant mothers to give up smoking.