The Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy on Birth Outcomes in Southern Jordan

Background: Fetal exposure to maternal smoking has been implicated as a contributing factor to birth complications and subsequent developmental impairments in children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between maternal smoking and pregnancy outcomes in a sample of women giving birth at hospitals in southern Jordan. Methods: This observational study extracted data from the medical records of enrolled pregnant women, including demographic information, vital signs, and newborn measurements. Specific data included birth type (miscarriage or no miscarriage), birthweight, head circumference, Apgar score, and labor (term or preterm). A two-tailed p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study sample consisted of 410 pregnant women, comprising 114 smokers (smoking group) and 296 non-smokers (control group). Smokers were more likely to have lower parity, a lower gestational age upon labor, a lower birthweight (<2.5 kg), and they were less likely to have a pre-term labor compared to nonsmokers. However, logistic regression could not determine any significant association with smoking. Smoking during pregnancy was not associated with an increased likelihood of miscarriage (odds ratio (OR): 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68-2.18, p = 0.50), low birthweight (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.34, 1.45), or pre-term delivery (OR = 4.13, 95% CI: 2.27, 7.52). No significant associations were observed between smoking status and head circumference or Apgar score. Conclusions: Maternal smoking carries risks for pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have low fetal birthweight and pre-term birth compared to non-smoking pregnant women. Our results highlight the need for comprehensive smoking cessation strategies targeted at pregnant women.