Smoking During Pregnancy Linked to Conduct Issues in Children

Children whose mothers smoking during pregnancy may be at an increased risk for certain behavioral issues, including having trouble following rules or behaving in a socially acceptable way, according to a recent study.

Researchers in England analyzed data from three studies to better understand the affect smoking during pregnancy can have on children and how it could potentially affect a child's social behaviors.

The study results showed that a link between smoking during pregnancy increased the risk of conduct problems in children.

According to the study, researchers used different methods to help measure data, including the behavior rating scales by Rutter and Conners, the Child Behavior Checklist and the Children's Behavior Questionnaire Short Form, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Study results showed that children of the mothers who didn't smoke during pregnancy scored an average of 99 while those born from mothers who smoke at least 10 sticks per day received an average score of 104.

Though researchers believe their preliminary findings need more studies in order to prove a strong connection between smoking during pregnancy and conduct problems in children following birth, they are hoping to conduct further studies involving the subject matter.

Of course, we already know that smoking during pregnancy can be linked to low birth rate and impaired mental development. Study authors encourage women to quit smoking during pregnancy as soon as possible or to get help if they are having trouble quitting, as it can cause long-term effects following birth.

More information regarding the study can be found in JAMA Psychiatry.