More Evidence Linking Smoke-Free Legislation and Lower Risk of Prematurity and Low Birth Weight.

Abstract

Premature and low birth weight infants have increased mortality and morbidities including chronic respiratory symptoms, neurocognitive deficits, feeding difficulties, and retinopathy of prematurity. These sequelae often result in prolonged hospitalizations, frequent readmissions, and need for subspecialty care. Direct and indirect costs for the care of these children can be significant. Reduction of maternal secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for both preterm and low birth weight infants. The most recent US Surgeon General’s report on secondhand smoke noted a causal relationship between maternal exposure to secondhand smoke and a reduction in birth weight as well as a suggestive relationship between the same exposure and preterm delivery,1 underscoring the … Address correspondence to Karen M. Wilson, MD, MPH, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1198, New York, NY 10029. E-mail: karen.wilson{at}mssm.edu