The negative effects of smoking during pregnancy have been stated time and time again, and a new research finding has reiterated why mums-to-be need to kick the habit for those precious nine months.
According to a new study, smoking during pregnancy can have a significant impact on young men’s health later in life.
The research, which was carried out in Finland, found that the sons of women who smoked during pregnancy were more likely to have lower fitness levels.
As part of the study, which was published in BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology this week, the research team analysed data from 508 men at an average age of 19.
The young men were asked to complete a running test at the beginning of a military service assessment; among them were 59 men whose mothers had smoked at least one cigarette a day during their pregnancy.
The results showed that a combination of smoking and excessive weight gain during pregnancy had negative ramifications for a young man’s aerobic fitness levels.
In the research report, the lead author urged women to heed the warnings and to cease smoking while pregnant, as well as maintain a healthy body weight during the period.
The expert also advised mums-to-be to avoid passive smoking as much as possible, and to consult with their midwife about how to kick the habit as early as possible.
