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Smoking During Pregnancy Damages Babies Lungs 

Smoking during pregnancy can alter the development of airway and lung structure in unborn babies, a report published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine says.

The study found that babies exposed to cigarette smoke in utero were more likely to be born with poorly supported airways. This could lead to abnormal lung function and may explain increases in conditions such as asthma and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) among babies and children of smoking mothers.

Wellington Hospital Respiratory Physician Dr Peter Martin says it's long been recognised that smoking during pregnancy is harmful for babies, but this report sheds light on the reasons why this may be the case.

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