Cause and effect of smoking during pregnancy - Essay Example

Research studies carried out recently show that the child of a smoking mother is almost doubly at risk in contacting very serious respiratory tract diseases in its early stages of life and usually leads to hospitalization. Another major cause for this is that many societies are well known for their high rate of smoking and even since the 1800’s, people are quite aware of the fatal effects it has on health. But in the 19th century, the correlation between maternal smoking and the rate of LRI (Lower Respiratory Infection) was determined.

A clinical research was carried out to determine the effect or impact that parental smoking had on children who were constantly exposed to it, and the Odds Ratio was calculated, based on the LRI, for hospitalization. The risk calculated was age related and the OR’s of prevalence of serious LRI were 1.71 (95% CI, 1.33-2.20) and 1.25 (95% CI, 0.88- 1.78) for children aged 0.2 years and 3 to 6 years respectively. (Li JS, Peat JK, Xuan W, Berry G, 1999) Other studies have shown a link between maternal smoking and a high incidence of respiratory problems including impaired lung infections.

Some studies have shown harmful effects of placenta - borne exposure at the time of pregnancy including breast milk, as well as air- borne exposure right after delivery. More recent evidence, of the effect of smoking mothers on their off spring, shows that immunity plays a major role in determining this, proving to be an important mechanism. Another cause for children inflicted with wheezing and other respiratory problems was due to dust mites found in the homes of smoking mothers. According to a study undertaken by Noakes, he suggests that “Maternal smoking is associated with impaired neo-natal toll- like- receptor mediated immune responses”. (P.S Noakes, Eur. Respir. Journal, 2006) Another major factor that contributed to an adverse effect on pregnant smoking mothers was the lack of social support render during