Babies suffer withdrawal jitters from casual-smoking mothers

Affects "like heroin"; multiplies SIDS risk, lowers sperm count

“

New research on the impact of casual smoking on newborn babies likens its effect to that of heroin and crack cocaine.

In the lead-up to Red Nose (SIDS) Day (June 27), health groups blamed continuing harm to babies on low government funding for anti-smoking campaigns.

The study from Rhode Island USA* shows:

• Even women who smoked just 6-7 cigarettes a day gave birth to babies who were more jittery, stiffer and more difficult to console than newborns of non-smokers.
• The behavioural changes caused in newborn babies of even casual smokers are similar to those induced by crack cocaine or heroin - strong enough to suggest that newborns go through a “nicotine withdrawal” response to being disconnected from the mother.

Meanwhile a separate Danish study** examining reasons for declining fertility rates among men found lower sperm counts in the sons of maternal smokers. Researchers from Aarhus University Hospital also found sons of smokers tend to have lower levels of a hormone linked to sperm production, and to have sperm that is less dense than average.

Says Dr Matthew Peters, Chairman of Action on Smoking and Health Australia: “We also know babies of smoking mothers are at three times the risk of SIDS, four times the risk of meningococcal disease, and greater danger from low birthweight.”

But recent figures show an alarming 23% of pregnant women continue to smoke. “Many of these women would love to quit,” says Dr Peters. “Most know they're endangering themselves and their baby, but they find quitting difficult and some feel too guilty to seek help.”

ASH is again calling for greater government investment in mass media anti-smoking campaigns, as Australia’s per capita spending on anti-smoking education is low compared to other OECD countries.

* Law, KL et al, “Smoking during pregnancy and newborn neurobehavior” in Pediatrics,  June 2003; 111(6):1318-1323.   Abstract at  http://intl-pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/111/6/1318

** Storgaard, L et al, “Does smoking during pregnancy affect sons' sperm counts?” in Epidemiology, May 2003; 14(3):278-286.   Abstract at http://www.epidem.com/ (search under author)

Comment:       Dr Matthew Peters, ASH Chairman, ph. 0407-499-440

Media inquiries:            Stafford Sanders         ph. (02) 9334-1823     

Page last updated on 19/6/2003