Questions & Answers

1. Why is smoking a risk factor for premature birth and low birth weight?

The nicotine in tobacco causes narrowing of blood vessels in the placenta which provides vital nourishment to the developing fetus. The inadequate nourishment impairs growth and development of the growing baby, resulting in complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

2. Does obesity impact the health and survival of the baby?

Compared to lean women, obese pregnant women have a higher risk of developing the following: gestational diabetes (diabetes of pregnancy), preeclampsia (hypertension of pregnancy), an overweight baby at the time of delivery, and an increased chance of …