Smoking one cigarette a day before or during pregnancy: what impact on the baby?

Smoking just one cigarette a day before or during pregnancy can have serious consequences on a baby's health. This is revealed by a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, confirming that even light smoking increases the risk of neonatal complications.


To assess the impact of tobacco on newborn health, researchers analyzed data from over 12 million births in the United States between 2016 and 2019. They excluded multiple pregnancies and women with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. The data showed that a little over 9% of women smoked before pregnancy, and this percentage gradually decreased over the trimesters of gestation.

The results indicate that babies born to smoking mothers are at increased risk for severe health problems. These risks include, for instance, the need for assisted ventilation at birth, admission to intensive care, or complications such as sepsis and neurological seizures. These complications occur in nearly 9.5% of cases.

The study reveals that even moderate tobacco use significantly increases risks for the newborn. Indeed, if the mother smokes 1 to 2 cigarettes a day before pregnancy, the risk of health problems for the child is 16% higher. This figure rises to 31% if consumption reaches 20 cigarettes or more per day. The risk of admission to neonatal intensive care also increases, reaching 13% for 1 to 2 cigarettes a day and up to 29% for heavier consumption.

The researchers emphasize the lack of a safety threshold for smoking in the pre-conception or pregnancy period. They also highlight the importance of preventing smoking among non-smokers and encouraging smoking cessation among smokers. In conclusion, it is essential for pregnant women or those considering pregnancy to stop smoking to protect their future child's health.