Effects of smoking on the female reproductive cycle and on newborns
Section: Revisiones
How to quote
Cárdaba García RM, Cárdaba García I. Efectos del hábito tabáquico en el ciclo reproductivo de la mujer y en el neonato. Metas Enferm may 2016; 19(4): 62-67.
Authors
Rosa María Cárdaba García1, Inés Cárdaba García2
Position
1Enfermera especialista en Ginecología y Obstetricia. Hospital Campo Grande de Valladolid2Enfermera especialista en Ginecología y Obstetricia. Complejo asistencial de Segovia
Contact address
Rosa María Cárdaba García. C/ San Julián, 25 E. 40200 Cuéllar (Segovia)
Contact email: rosacardaba@yahoo.es
Abstract
Objective: to analyze the scientific evidence available on smoking during the female reproductive cycle and its effects on newborns.
Method: a narrative review of the bibliography currently available in electronic databases (Cochrane Plus Library, Medline, Cuiden, CINAHL and Pubmed) and in scientific journals in paper format (Rol de Enfermería, Metas de Enfermería, Nure Investigación and Matronas profesión) from January, 2000 to December, 2015; 23 articles were obtained.
Outcomes: smoking has negative effects on pregnancy, such as an increase in miscarriages, premature rupture of membranes, and maternal anaemia; but it will also affect the placenta, which will usually be more mature than normal. Nicotine is transferred to the newborn through mother milk, and it reduces female fertility and embryo quality. Children of a smoking mother will weigh a mean 200g less at birth, and present a higher risk of sudden death. Nicotine deprivation in newborns is known as Neonatal Nicotine Withdrawal Syndrome.
Conclusions: even though the effects of nicotine on pregnancy for the mother and the foetus are well known, there are very few programs for smoking cessation that will take into account pregnant women and their partners as a particularly vulnerable group. It is essential to implement these programs, which should be included in the portfolio of services offered by the National Health System. Besides, it is important to create a specific validated survey for assessing newborns with Nicotine Withdrawal Syndrome, in order to improve an early diagnosis.
Keywords:
Disorders caused by smoking; smoking cessation; fertility; pregnancy; breastfeeding; neonatal withdrawal syndrome
Versión en Español
Título:
Efectos del hábito tabáquico en el ciclo reproductivo de la mujer y en el neonato