Michael W. Miller: New Study Underscores Risks of Smoking When Pregnant

Online, May 29, 2012 (Newswire.com) - ABC News reports that one in five Caucasian women (21.8 percent) admits to smoking while pregnant. Additionally, the article asserts that 14.2 percent of African-American and 6.5 percent of Hispanic women smoked while pregnant.

Michael W. Miller, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist who specializes in the study of the effects of alcohol and other substances on developing brains. Given the immensely dangerous health conditions that smoking while
pregnant can cause and the effort made by the government to reduce the problem, he is disappointed that the activity continues to be so prevalent in modern society. As such, he is urging women to consider the risks behind tobacco, alcohol, and other substance use when pregnant.

According to the aforementioned article, smoking can hinder the growth of a fetus. Additionally, it can cause the placenta to implant to the cervix, which poses a threat for mother and child. Furthermore, smoking while pregnant can result in preterm birth, a prematurely independent placenta, and low birth weight, all of which are risks for the viability and vitality of the offspring.

Dr. Ari Brown, who wrote Baby 411, asserts that smoking is also correlated with increased incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other health conditions: "A mom who smokes has less circulating oxygen in her body and thus, so does her unborn baby. This is called fetal hypoxia. There is also less blood flow to the uterus and placenta, and therefore to the baby. Lastly, nicotine goes right through the placenta and circulates in the bloodstream of the fetus."

Dr. Michael W. Miller is urging women to heed the warnings of healthcare professionals and resist the urge to smoke, drink, and partake of drugs during pregnancy.

"These data provide disappointing news about the persisting prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use during pregnancy," commented Dr. Michael W. Miller. "The consequence of such exposure for offspring is well known and well-advertised, yet distressingly, the use continues unabated. Strategies to complement public announcements and warnings must be devised and implemented."

Dr. Michael W. Miller hopes that, as research pertaining to these risks continues, the public will begin to raise more awareness of the health concerns that such activity poses for unborn children
and their mothers.

ABOUT:

Michael W. Miller, Ph.D., is a highly respected professor and researcher in the field of neuroscience. His work has raised awareness and increased medical understanding of the effects of alcohol on brain development, resulting in the enhanced comprehension of how alcohol affects children and adolescents, particularly, and how the negative effects of alcohol exposure can be prevented. For the last three decades, Dr. Michael W. Miller has dedicated his efforts to improving the understanding of his students, the scientific community, and the public as a whole.