Conséquences du tabagisme sur le développement fœtal et le risque de retard de croissance intra-utérin ou de mort fœtale in utero

Studies on the consequences of maternal smoking on fetal development have demonstrated the cardiovascular effect (CO and nicotine) and the respiratory effect (CO) which can be aggravated after birth by passive smoking. Teratogenic and cancerogenic effects have also been clearly demonstrated. Maternal smoking would also affect fetal brain development with negative effects on the major neurotransmitter systems (domaminergic, serotinergic, noradrenergic) and on the development of key structures such as the prefrontal cortex, certain limbic structures including the hippocampus and other structures implicated in motor function such as the ventral striatum. These development anomalies of the brain could give rise, after birth, to psychological, behavioral, attention and cognitive disorders, further arguments in favor of an effective anti-smoking policy including appropriate care for smoking pregnant mothers in both hospital and outpatient settings.