Chantix News Home

Children of Smoking Mothers Get Into Smoking Early

May 26, 2009

According to a recent study mother’s who smoke during pregnancy and early childhood are actually inspiring their kids to take up smoking as teenagers and young adults. The study suggests that it is the compounding physical damage that such kids sustain from the exposure to smoke, which may lead them to indulge in smoking at an early age

"It is well-known that maternal smoking influences a developing fetus in myriad ways, contributing to low birth weight, premature birth and a host of other health problems after birth," said Dr. Roni Grad, associate professor of Clinical Paediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

The researchers used data from the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study to learn about the impact of maternal smoking during pregnancy and early childhood, and on the smoking behaviour of the offspring as young adults. The study results will be presented at the American Thoracic Society's 105th International Conference in San Diego. Chantix by Pfizer is the best known drug to combat smoking.