Slotkin said many women who use cocaine during pregnancy also smoke cigarettes. Until now, researchers could not isolate the effects of cigarettes. The animal studies demonstrate that nicotine kills brain cells outright, he said. Nicotine also damages nerve cells outside the brain in ways that cause premature loss of a mechanism that helps infants survive during periods of reduced oxygen supply. These occur during birth itself and during sleep.
Normal infants respond with increased breathing and faster heart rate.
Cigarette babies don't, and are predisposed to crib death or sudden infant death syndrome. The studies show that nicotine, unlike many other chemicals that harm the fetus, does most of its damage after the first three months of pregnancy. Slotkin advised much more caution in use of skin patches, chewing gum and other nicotine replacement therapy. Patches and other replacement therapy are sold without a prescription, and pregnant women are urged to be cautious in use of the devices. Women should make every effort to stop all use of nicotine from cigarettes or replacement therapy in the first three months of pregnancy, he advised.