Pregnant smokers can reverse risks if they quit by 15 weeks

WOMEN who kick the smoking habit within 15 weeks of becoming pregnant can reverse the increased risk to smokers of giving birth to an underweight or premature baby.

In addition, contrary to common belief, those who quit smoking within this time frame can do so without suffering increased stress.

The findings have emerged as part of a major international study geared towards developing screening tests to predict small-for-gestational-age infants, spontaneous pre-term birth and pre-eclampsia (hypertension during pregnancy).