Fathers-to-be who smoke can harm newborn baby’s health

While always knew mothers-to-be smoking could cause harm to the newborn’s health, a recent study suggests that fathers-to-be smoking has an effect on the baby as well. The research has found a link between parental smoking and increased congenital heart defects in newborns.

The study was published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. It has also revealed that apart from quitting smoking, mothers should also stay away from second-hand smoke, as that is considered harmful for the baby’s health as well.

“Fathers are a large source of second-hand smoke for pregnant women, which appear to be even more harmful to unborn children than women smoking themselves.”

This research was the first meta-analysis that examined the relationships between paternal smoking and maternal passive smoking. Thee awareness of this study is important as smoking in fathers-to-be which leads to passive smoking for pregnant women is more common than pregnant women smoking. The reasearch’s lead author, Dr Qin says, “Women should stop smoking before trying to become pregnant to ensure they are smoke-free when they conceive. “

He further added by saying that doctors and primary healthcare professionals need to be more vocal about this and publicise this further.