Question

Mrs Renu came to know about Mrs Sunidhi's pregnancy, but she became anxious as Mrs Sunidhi smokes badly. She knew that smoking may affect the health of the mother and developing foetus. Among the following, what are the consequences of smoking?
(i) Increased heartbeat and blood pressure in the mother due to release of adrenaline.
(ii) Increased blood supply to the placenta.
(iii) Blood clot formation in the arteries of the mother leading to the diffusion of CO${}_2$ and urea into the foetus' blood.
(iv) Reduced ability of haemoglobin to carry oxygen in the RBC, which may affect the development of the foetus' brain.

• A. (ii) and (iii)
• B. (i), (ii) and (iv)
• C. (i) and (iv)
• D. (ii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is C (i) and (iv)

Tobacco smoking and pregnancy is related to many effects on health and reproduction, in addition to the general health effects of tobacco. A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in miscarriages among pregnant smokers, and that it contributes to a number of other threats to the health of the fetus.
Ideally, women should not smoke before, during or after pregnancy. If this is not the case, however, the daily number of cigarettes can be reduced to minimize the risks for both the mother and child. This is particularly important for women in developing countries where breastfeeding is essential for the childs overall nutritional status.
It causes:
Increased heartbeat and blood pressure in the mother due to release of adrenaline.
Reduced ability of haemoglobin to carry oxygen in the RBC, which may affect the development of the foetus' brain.