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A group of researchers, led by Professor Emil Kääntä, decided to explore a troubling question: Does smoking during pregnancy make children’s bones more fragile?
The scientists gathered data from over 220,000 children born between 1987 and 1990. These children, now grown, have their health records carefully stored in Finnish medical databases.
The researchers wanted to see if there was a link between mothers who smoked during pregnancy and the number of bone fractures their children experienced as they grew up.
The results were startling. They found that children aged 5 to 15 years, whose mothers smoked while pregnant, had a higher risk of breaking bones. This was not a small increase – these children were 12% more likely to suffer fractures.
The scientists dug deeper and discovered that this risk was especially significant for non-high-energy fractures, like those that happen from everyday activities rather than serious accidents.
But why does this happen? The story unfolds with a look at how smoking affects a developing baby. When a mother smokes, harmful substances from the cigarettes can reduce the amount of calcium and nutrients the baby receives. This lack of nutrients can weaken the baby’s developing bones, making them more fragile as the child grows.
The researchers also noted that this increased risk of fractures was not due to other factors like the child’s activities or parental genetics. It was the smoking itself that was the culprit.
This discovery highlights an important message: Smoking during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on a child’s health. Professor Kääntä and his team emphasize the need for preventive measures. They suggest that expectant mothers should receive better support to quit smoking to protect their children’s future health.
