Cigarette smoking during pregnancy in two regions: cross-sectional study

Abstract

Smoking in pregnancy is associated with the risk of congenital malformations and functional disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking in pregnancy, and the rate of congenital malformations in children at in utero exposure. The trial was designed as a cross-sectional study to measure exposure of pregnant women to adverse influence of smoking and their health status. The study consists of two arms: one was conducted at four Zagreb maternity hospitals (Croatia) and the other at the same hospitals in Novi Sad (Serbia). Data analysis revealed the habit of cigarette smoking during pregnancy in 829 (11.9%) of 6 992 (6 099+893) women. Malformations were found in 105 (1.5%) fetuses and newborns. Major congenital malformations were present in four (0.6%), minor malformations in 73 (10.5%) and LBW in 12 (1.7%) newborns. In all these cases pregnant women smoked until becoming aware of pregnancy or during pregnancy. Tobacco smoking and congenital abnormalities that define the contingency table are not significantly related in Zagreb (P=0.385), as well as in Novi Sad (P=0.345). The rate of congenital malformations is higher in fetuses and newborns at in utero exposure to maternal cigarette smoking as well as to alcohol consumption and drug abuse than in the general population. The results of the present study did not identify the exact cause of these malformations because of fetal concurrent exposure to multiple teratogenic factors.