Smoking during pregnancy is harmful to both the mother and child
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 87/100
Multiple studies and systematic reviews consistently demonstrate that smoking during pregnancy causes harmful outcomes, including reduced fetal growth, lower birth weights, placental dysfunction, and long-term developmental issues.
Evidence for · 4
Secondhand and Prenatal Tobacco Smoke Exposure
2009 · cited by 81
Discusses the harms of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, noting that tobacco exposure causes significant morbidity and mortality.
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More for · 3
Relationship Between Smoking Doses and Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Pregnancy
2018 · cited by 5
Shows that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weights, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and increased NICU admissions.
Placental Pathophysiology in Maternal Psychoactive Substance Use: Biological, Clinical, and Forensic Perspectives.
2026 · cited by 0
Indicates that tobacco crosses the placental barrier, leading to impaired nutrient and oxygen transfer and increasing the risk of adverse outcomes like intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth.
The Consequences of Prenatal Tobacco Exposure: A Systematic Review of Birth Outcomes and Developmental Trajectories.
2026 · cited by 0
Demonstrates that prenatal tobacco exposure is consistently associated with reduced fetal growth, low birth weight, and adverse neurodevelopmental and psychiatric outcomes.