Smoking

Does Maternal smoking affect offspring?

Background

Growing up, I'm sure you've heard of avoiding substances while pregnant. Constant reminders at restaurants say to not drink while pregnant, but there is not as much attention given to smoking while pregnant. Maternal smoking can cause birth defects the same way alcohol can but the only substantial information I see on a day to day basis is an ad on television every now and then. Cigarette packs do not even have a warning on them regarding pregnancy. However a question arises from this, does maternal smoking cause a higher chance of offspring smoking? A study conducted with participants in the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy and its outcomes looks to answer this question.

Shihab Chowdhury