But, in those days, six pounds was an average weight for a newborn. I only weighed 6 pounds at birth, too, and my husband weighed less than 6 pounds (though he's 6', 190 lbs. today). Today, the average birthweight is at least seven pounds. And, though I am very small (5'2" and 104 pounds) and only gained 25-30 lbs. with each pregnancy, my babies weighed 7-8, 6-10, and 7-11. (Yes, I was concerned about the second. I believe his birthweight was lower because I didn't eat enough. Therefore, it's not a stretch to conclude that someone's birthweight might have been lower due to the mother smoking).
I've never heard about smoking affecting IQ, though. I only remember reading that it could lead to premature birth and low birthweight. I knew a woman who gave birth prematurely three times, and one of her babies died as a result. She was sitting there chainsmoking as she told me the story. It never dawned on her that chainsmoking might have caused the problem.
For the record, I am against laws which tell private businesses that they cannot allow smoking. If a restaurant wants to allow smoking, I have the option of not patronizing that place. I also would never support a law telling pregnant women not to smoke, even though I think they're taking a risk.
I think the statistics the antis shout from the roof tops have more to do with socio-economic status than smoking per se. Cigarette smokers do seem to be in higher proportions in the lower economic ranks and those are the same people that tend to have less pre-natal care. Does one cause the other?, who knows - but those kind of numbers can be used to the advantage of anyone who chooses to manipulate them.
I've never heard about smoking affecting IQ, though.
Lucky you. Die-hard antis also claim it causes ADD, ADHD, and learning diabilities. I've also been called a liar by antis when mention of my daughter's advanced state of education is mentioned.
For the record, I am against laws which tell private businesses that they cannot allow smoking. If a restaurant wants to allow smoking, I have the option of not patronizing that place. I also would never support a law telling pregnant women not to smoke, even though I think they're taking a risk.
You're my kind of non-smoker. If and when we should ever meet, I assure you I will respect your preference for smoke-free.
Bwahahaha!
Did you do that on purpose? Not a stretch! Bwahaha!