A mother's smoking during pregnancy places the fetus at increased risk of what condition?

Smoking during pregnancy has been conclusively linked to several adverse outcomes for the fetus, with low birth weight being one of the most significant risks. Maternal smoking can restrict blood flow to the placenta and reduce oxygen supply, which can ultimately hinder fetal growth and development. As a result, infants born to mothers who smoke are often smaller than their peers, leading to an increased incidence of low birth weight.

Low birth weight is notably associated with various health complications for the newborn, including problems with thermoregulation, feeding difficulties, and greater susceptibility to infections and long-term developmental issues. These outcomes highlight the critical impact that maternal choices, such as smoking, can have on fetal growth and health.

While other conditions like renal abnormalities, bradycardia, and neural tube defects can arise from various risk factors during pregnancy, they are not as strongly associated with maternal smoking as low birth weight is. This distinction is essential in understanding the specific and profound implications that smoking can have on fetal well-being.