Abstract
Objective: To assess the influence of passive and light active smoking on the reduction of intrauterine growth of the foetus and on modifications in the body composition of the newborn.
Design: Random.
Setting: Full term newborn infants at the Department of the Pediatric and Gynaecological Divisions of the City Major Hospital, Chair of Paediatrics, Verona University.
Subjects: One hundred and twelve mothers selected after having completed a questionnaire on smoking habits during pregnancy. One hundred and twelve newborn infants were divided into three groups: Group 1: non-smoking and non-exposed mothers; Group 2: non-smoking but exposed mothers; Group 3: light smoking mothers (under 10 cigarettes/d, whether or not also exposed to passive smoking). Examination within 24 h of birth established the anthropometric measurements and estimates of body composition through indices or equations.
Results: Newborns of groups 2 and 3 had a statistically significant reduction of fat mass and most anthropometric measurements: fat mass according to Dauncey (P<0.001), birth-weight (P<0.013), crown-heel length (P<0.000), upper- and lower-arm length (P<0.000) and circumference (P<0.002), triceps skinfold and sum of all skinfolds (P<0.004). Student t-test, between groups 2 and 3, did not evidence intergroup differences.
Conclusions: Exposure of the foetus to passive and/or light active smoking involves a reduction of most auxiological parameters and not only weight. As regards body composition, smoking appears to reduce fat mass. The prevention of smoking during pregnancy is therefore extremely important, as intrauterine growth seems to be negatively influenced not only by active smoking, but also by passive and light active smoking.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $21.58 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Luciano, A., Bolognani, M., Biondani, P. et al. The influence of maternal passive and light active smoking on intrauterine growth and body composition of the newborn. Eur J Clin Nutr 52, 760–763 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600643
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600643
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Validity of anthropometric equations to estimate infant fat mass at birth and in early infancy
BMC Pediatrics (2017)
-
Foetal surgery and using in utero therapies to reduce the degree of disability after birth. Could it be morally defensible or even morally required?
Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy (2017)
-
Tobacco smoke in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
European Journal of Pediatrics (2015)
-
Body composition assessment in infancy and early childhood: comparison of anthropometry with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in low-income group children from India
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2014)
-
Head circumference at birth and exposure to tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs during early pregnancy
Child's Nervous System (2012)