New research finds that exposure to e-cigarettes can have the same negative effects on developing babies as traditional cigarettes.
Central Michigan University professor Beth Bailey, one of the researchers on the study, said a common assumption among pregnant women who smoke traditional cigarettes is that e-cigarettes won't be as harmful to their baby.
However, the results of her research show otherwise.
The study involved comparing mothers smoking e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes along with their babies.
Both the babies and the mothers blood was taken and results from the two groups found that e-cigarette smokers had a higher level of nicotine in their blood.
According to Bailey, prolonged nicotine exposure can lead to babies being smaller than average at birth.
"We know that babies that start out small tend to have more health problems pretty much throughout childhood. Respiratory compromise is a big one, but there are many others," Bailey said.
Bailey added that neurological issues are also common issue among children who were exposed to nicotine in the womb.
"While you may think smaller baby easier delivery, not necessarily a big issue, but smaller baby means smaller brain and so that smaller brain then has lots of consequences as the child develops," Bailey said.
According to Bailey, mothers who quit smoking in the first trimester can minimize the long term effects of nicotine exposure.
