Dr. Secker-Walker said that the study can be used as a guide to determine what benefit mothers can expect based on how much they cut back on smoking. However, he added that the best thing to do is quit smoking altogether, like the 110 women in the study who quit smoking before their first visit or by the 36th week of their pregnancy, because of the risks to the fetus. According to nutritionist Alison Gamble, smoking just two cigarettes in succession during pregnancy reduces fetal chest breathing movements. It also restricts the blood supply to the fetus, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery and waste removal. Oxygen deprivation during the development of the fetus can cause damage to the central nervous system.
Smoking also increases the risk of spontaneous abortion.
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