Effects of cigarette smoking on maternal nutrition and the fetus.

Available evidence supports the importance of including facts about smoking and pregnancy in all teaching to women in the childbearing years. The incidence of low birthweight infants is possibly almost twice as high among smoking mothers, and these low birthweight babies are known to be at risk on several counts. Compromised utilization of vitamins and minerals is presented as a causative factor: calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin C levels are lower in smokers. Other vitamin levels may be affected. Poor nutrition and other factors connected with smoking may result also in stillbirths, spontaneous abortions, congenital anomalies, and cancer in the offspring. Nurses have a unique opportunity to contribute to maternal-child health by teaching and counseling about smoking in pregnancy.