As per a new research published in the journal Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonology, mother who smoke during pregnancy pose their babies a greater risk of getting affected with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and this is due to the highly reactive state of the nicotine.

The research was carried out by researchers Hemant Sawnani, Erik Olsen, and Narong Simakajornboon, from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio. The findings are based on the proofs from both human and animal studies. The study suggests that nicotine adversely affects the development of the part of the brain of babies that are helpful in controlling breathing.

An infant affected with SIDS dies in the first year of its life. Babies born to mother who carried on smoking during pregnancy are at an increased risk of SIDS that range from two to five times. It is also leads to premature birth, which is another threat to life of a baby. The research found that mothers who were exposed to prenatal smoking suffered from pauses in breathing or infant apnea and they were less able to wake up in case of getting low oxygen.

“These findings highlight the importance of public health policies to prevent the development of tobacco dependence in adolescent girls and the importance of treatment of maternal tobacco dependence prior to pregnancy.