Posted on 07/14/2006 9:22:53 AM PDT by presidio9
A new study finds that unborn babies regularly exposed to cigarette smoke in the womb are much more likely to have behavioral problems as young children.
The study, detailed in current issue of the journal Child Development, is the first to show a link between smoking during pregnancy and child behavior problems in the first years of life.
The researchers found that 2-year-olds whose mothers were exposed to cigarette smoke while pregnant were nearly 12 times more likely to show clinical levels of behavioral problems compared to their unexposed peers.
The researchers looked at 93 children between their first and second birthdays. Forty-four were exposed to cigarette smoke before birth; among those exposed, nearly half of their mothers reported smoking more than half a pack a day.
As any parent will tell you, behavioral problems in toddlers are nothing new. There is even a name for it—the "terrible twos." But the behavior of toddlers exposed to cigarette smoke got progressively worse between 18 and 24 months of age compared to unexposed toddlers.
In psychology, symptoms of disruptive behavior include aggression, irritability, rule breaking and poor social skills. The exposed toddlers were significantly more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior and stubbornly refuse following directions. They were also less likely to seek out and socially interact with their mothers.
The one symptom that the exposed toddlers did not exhibit was increased irritability. This is important, the researchers say, because different components of disruptive behavior reflect functioning within different parts of the brain.
"By pinpointing which behaviors are involved, it sets the stage for the next set of studies which can more precisely characterize the relevant behaviors and their associated brain regions in exposed children," said study leader Lauren Wakschlag of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Wakschlag and her colleagues previously found a link between prenatal smoking and antisocial behavior in older youth. The new study suggests that for some children, the roots of their behavioral problems might occur before they are born.
While the study supports the theory that smoking can lead to long-term problems later in life, Wakschlag cautions that it does not prove it.
"However, our findings do move us one step closer to answering this question by generating ideas regarding what areas of the brain might be affected by exposure," she said.
That must be my problem.
One of my problems...
"that's not to say all smokers are trashy, but most trashy people seem to be smokers."
Indeed.
Someone is blowing smoke up someones, (u know what!) LOL
"And another question...how can they determine it is ONLY tobacco smoke, and not other types of smoke that men women and children breathe in on a daily basis?"
Haven't you noticed that Control Groups are no longer needed? You just make chit up and publish your results, willy-nilly! ;)
And as 'Roseanne' said, "Listen! I gave up smoking and drinking for FOUR WHOLE MONTHS while I was pregnant with you!"
(P.S. I'm making basil pesto today! Mmmmm-Mmmmm!)
This may sound stupid...but how does smoke get into the womb?
I hear what you're saying, but it's sort of a cop-out. I just went out to get an ice cream and had to weave my way through the addicts to get back into the building. As usual. Look, we're all in a hurry, but show a little courtesy: move ten or fifteen feet away. How much time could that possibly add to the break? A second? Why do smokers insist on standing DIRECTLY in front of the exit? We'll make a compromise: after you're lit, take a little stroll while you enjoy your cancer stick.
Disclaimer: This rant not intended for present company.
Why not just cut your bitching and work to get these ridiculous anti smoking laws changed? Whose fault is it that the smokers are standing outside to begin with? Certainly not the smokers, but yet you blame them instead of the sleaze ball left wing control freaks that are really to blame. I am NOT a smoker BTW.
Everytime I see the results of a study like this, I wonder if the researchers consider that it may not be the actual smoke, but rather the parenting skills of someone who would smoke during pregnancy. I skimmed the article and I didn't see any reference to whether this was included, so I apologize in advance if it was.
You're missing the point. The smokers ARE outside. How they git there is irrelevant. The fact that they can't be troubled to move away from a high-traffic area makes it seem like they don't give a f-ck, and leaves a lot of non-smokers feeling pretty resentful.
"So how does the smoke get in?">>>>>
You don't want to know, It isn't pretty!
In other words, they wind up being Democrats.
I think a lot of this animosity toward smokers, especially those who congregate near the office doorways is due to the non-smoker's jealousy of what they feel are unnecessary breaks from "work" and, as a consequence, they feel justified in their mean-spititedness.
unborn babies
Gotta love the shift to baby from fetus when it involes another evil - smoking
Yeah that must be it (rolling eyes). Most of us are basically independant contractors down here.
My daughter was an exceptionally good baby and NEVER had a single case of the "terrible twos". Yes, yes, I know, why should anyone take my word for that...but I don't lie about things like that! My darling daughter wasn't and never shall be "perfect" and I have never been adverse to admitting her faults; so, it would behoove all of you to take my word for this.
And you're right Gabz, just WHY are there so very many more children, NOW, who are absolute monsters, than there were, when almost everyone smoked? The same thing is true for the asthma upsurge.
And my daughter and I are as close; always have been.
There isn't any need for an asinine statement like that. Some folks like Sloth just enjoy talking out of their asses.
My first dentist visit was 10-12 years later.....but I got a lollipop leaving :)
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