Impact of Active and Passive Smoking on the Risk of Preterm Birth and Other Major Obstetric Syndromes

Abstract

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of infant and neonatal mortality. Progressive placental and hypertensive disorders and pre-eclampsia often increase the proportion of induced preterm births. The study aims. There is conflicting evidence in the literature about the association of active and passive smoking with the risk of these gestational complications. The present study analysed the complications of pregnancy in smoking and non-smoking women according to the timing of delivery. According to the results, smoking is a significant risk factor for preterm birth, placental and hypertensive disorders. The chances of severe pre-eclampsia and fetal growth retardation were higher in women who smoked. The likelihood of these complications increases with the duration of smoking.