File(s) under permanent embargo
The effect of maternal prenatal smoking and alcohol consumption on the placenta-to-birth weight ratio
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 01:32 authored by Wang, N, Tikellis, G, Sun, C, Pezic, A, Wang, L, Wells, JCK, Jennifer Cochrane, Ponsonby, A-L, Dwyer, TBACKGROUND: Maternal influence on fetal growth is mediated through the placenta and this influence may have an implication for the offspring's long-term health. The placenta-to-birth weight ratio has been regarded as an indicator of placental function. However, few studies have examined the effect of maternal lifestyle exposures on the placenta-to-birth weight ratio. This study aims to examine the associations of maternal prenatal smoking and alcohol consumption with the placenta-to-birth weight ratio. METHODS: Data for 7945 term singletons, gestation≥37 weeks, were selected from the Tasmanian Infant Health Survey; a 1988-1995 Australian cohort study. Placenta and birth weight were extracted from birth notification records. RESULTS: Maternal smoking during pregnancy was strongly associated with a 6.77 g/kg higher (95% CI 4.83-8.71) placenta-to-birth weight ratio when compared to non-smoking mothers. Maternal prenatal smoking was associated with lower placental (β = -15.37 g; 95% CI -23.43 to -7.31) and birth weights (β = -205.49 g; 95% CI -232.91 to -178.08). Mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy had a lower placenta-to-birth weight ratio (β = -2.07 g/kg; 95% CI -4.01 to -0.12) than mothers who did not consume alcohol. The associations of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy with placental and birth weight did not reach statistical significance. DISCUSSION: Maternal prenatal smoking and alcohol consumption may influence fetal growth by either directly or indirectly altering the function of the placenta. CONCLUSIONS: The alteration of the in utero environment induced by smoking and alcohol consumption appears to affect placental and fetal growth in differing ways. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism.
History
Publication title
PlacentaVolume
35Issue
7Pagination
437-441ISSN
0143-4004Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
W B Saunders Co LtdPlace of publication
32 Jamestown Rd, London, England, Nw1 7ByRights statement
Copyright 2014 Elsevier Ltd.Repository Status
- Restricted