Hazardous effects of passive smoking on pregnancy and its outcome

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted on 277 pregnant women to assess the impact of passive smoking on pregnancy and its outcome. The study included 166 non smoker women, 9 smokers and 102 passive smoker ladies. Blood thiocyanate concentration [micro mol/L] was used as an indicator of tobacco smoke metabolites among women and their infants. The study revealed that the frequencies of occurrence of premature rupture of membranes, preterm deliveries, low birth weight and congenital anomalies among passive smoker ladies were as high as that of active smoker ladies. The study recommended that pregnant ladies should avoid-as much as they can-being in the same place with smoking individuals. Also, the hazardous effects of passive smoking should be included in the health education programs during the ante-natal care