What are the risks of smoking during pregnancy?

Smoking during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus, with low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental issues being the most critical concerns.

Low birth weight is commonly associated with smoking because nicotine and other harmful substances in cigarette smoke can restrict blood flow to the fetus, leading to inadequate nutrient and oxygen delivery. This restriction can result in the fetus not growing properly, which increases the chance of low birth weight.

Preterm birth is another serious risk linked to maternal smoking. The exposure to harmful chemicals may lead to complications that can prompt premature labor. Babies born preterm are at a higher risk for a host of health problems, including respiratory issues and developmental delays.

Additionally, developmental issues can arise from in utero exposure to harmful substances in smoke. Research has shown that children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy may have higher rates of cognitive impairments and behavioral problems as they grow.

Thus, the option encompassing low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental issues accurately reflects the profound impact of smoking on pregnancy outcomes, while the other options do not correlate with established research on the effects of smoking during pregnancy.