The Risk of Passive Smoking on Respiratory Problems and the Incidence of Low Birth Weight (LBW) in Neonates: Literature Review

Halwa Wafdaa Kamilah Widagdo; Ema  Alasiry; Andi Husni Esa  Darussalam

Authors

Halwa Wafdaa Kamilah Widagdo Medical Profession Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia
Ema Alasiry Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia
Andi Husni Esa Darussalam Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia

Keywords:

Passive Smoking, Pregnancy, Low Birth Weight, Neonatal Respiratory Disorders, Risk Factors, Prevention

Abstract

Secondhand smoke during pregnancy is a major risk factor that can impair fetal growth and increase the incidence of respiratory disorders in newborns. Exposure occurs not only through inhalation of cigarette smoke in the air (secondhand smoke), but also through toxic residues attached to clothing, hair, skin, and surfaces belonging to smokers, known as thirdhand smoke. Exposure to harmful substances such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), and heavy metals can enter the pregnant woman’s body through inhalation, skin absorption, or indirect contact, thereby triggering impaired placental perfusion, fetal hypoxia, oxidative stress, and inflammation that contribute to fetal growth restriction, low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and developmental disorders of the fetal respiratory system. These conditions represent a global health issue as they increase neonatal morbidity and mortality and impact children’s long-term quality of life. This study aims to analyze the relationship between passive smoking exposure during pregnancy and the incidence of LBW and respiratory disorders in neonates based on recent literature. The method used was a narrative review, which involved examining various scientific articles obtained from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, as well as other indexed scientific journals. The literature search was conducted using keywords related to secondhand smoke, pregnancy, low birth weight, and neonatal respiratory disorders. The study findings indicate that secondhand smoke increases the risk of low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, and various neonatal respiratory disorders. Other contributing risk factors include household environmental conditions, maternal nutritional status, maternal age, body mass index, and exposure to air pollution such as PM2.5. Additionally, infants with low birth weight face a higher risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and long-term lung function impairment. Interventions such as cessation of tobacco exposure, health education, antenatal screening, and the implementation of smoke-free zones have proven to be effective preventive strategies. Secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is a multifactorial risk factor that contributes to low birth weight and respiratory disorders in newborns; therefore, a comprehensive preventive approach is needed to reduce its impact on the health of mothers and children.

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