How does maternal smoking during pregnancy affect the newborn?

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with several significant adverse outcomes for the newborn. One of the primary concerns is that it increases the risks of low birth weight. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the fetus, which can lead to intrauterine growth restriction and ultimately, low birth weight.

In addition to affecting birth weight, maternal smoking is also linked to an increased likelihood of preterm delivery. Cigarette smoke contains harmful substances that can trigger premature labor and affect the overall health of the mother, which in turn can lead to the baby being born before the optimal gestational age.

Moreover, newborns exposed to maternal smoking are at heightened risk for respiratory issues after birth. This includes conditions such as infant respiratory distress syndrome and an increased likelihood of developing asthma and other pulmonary complications later in life. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can impair lung development and function in the fetus, leading to these concerns.

These outcomes highlight the significant negative impact that maternal smoking can have on newborns, making the correct answer revolve around these increased risks.