title: The effect of smoking during pregnancy on the incidence of low birth weight among Chinese parturients.
abstract: The incidence and effect of smoking in Chinese parturients are not well known. In a retrospective case-controlled study of 213 patients who smoked during pregnancy, it was found that the incidence of low birth-weight was doubled. On average the babies were smaller by 200 g, shorter by 1 cm and the head circumference was smaller by 0.3 cm. These anthropometric deficits may have significant long-term effects. Although the incidence of smoking in Chinese parturients is low (2%), the rising trend in recent years should prompt all physicians to advise expectant mothers to avoid smoking before and during pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Tsan Yuk Hospital.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: To
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Duthie
authors.forename: H K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D001835:Body Weight; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D010920:Placenta / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology