HealthDay (4/14, Solomon) reports a study found that “children exposed to prenatal maternal smoking are more likely to experience behavioral and mental health challenges.” The researchers observed that “maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy predicted differentiation toward externalizing problems in children aged 1 to 2 years through 7 to 8 years and children aged 13 to 14 years. Effects were similar for boys and girls. Across all ages, maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy predicted higher symptom severity.” The researchers noted that “prenatal smoking exposure was also associated with a greater likelihood of having multiple mental health or behavioral symptoms.” The study was published in Development and Psychopathology.
Related Links:
— “Prenatal Maternal Smoking Linked to Behavioral Health Challenges in Offspring,”Lori Solomon, HealthDay, April 14, 2026