Kicking the habit helps to create a laid back child
Posted on 13 March 2008
An analysis conducted by the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York indicated that giving up smoking during pregnancy may boost the chances of giving birth to an easygoing child.
Researchers assessed the temperaments of infants at 9 months old, using a validated scale, designed to pick up positive mood, receptivity to new things, and regular sleep and eating rhythms.
Giving up smoking during pregnancy is associated with an urge to protect the baby
Dr Kate Pickett
The results published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health show that mothers who kicked their habit had the most easygoing infants.
The children of the quitters had the lowest chances of unpredictable behaviour or of becoming distressed when faced with new situations, while heavy smokers had the most difficult children. Their children were more likely to achieve the lowest scores for positive mood.
Dr Kate Pickett, who led the research, said ‘Giving up smoking during pregnancy is associated with an urge to protect the baby rather than any intention to quit in the long term. It indicates the capacity to adapt to different circumstances and the ability to plan and to delay gratification, characteristics which seem to be missing in those who carry on smoking.’
The findings are based on over 18,000 UK babies born between 2000 and 2002, taking part in the Millennium Cohort Study. Their mothers were classified as either non-smokers during pregnancy, quitters, light smokers, or those who smoked 10 or more cigarettes a day (heavy smokers).
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- For more information about the study contact Dr Kate Pickett from the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York on +44 (0) 7792 775576 or kp6@york.ac.uk.
- The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health is a peer review journal for health professionals and researchers in all areas of epidemiology. For more information visit, www.jech.bmj.com.