It is well known that smoking during pregnancy affects the baby in numerous ways. It can lead to premature birth, low birth weight and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is also linked to behavioral changes such as addiction and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), finds a study conducted by Yale University.

The researchers studied mice that were exposed to nicotine during early development. They found that these mice had problems into adulthood and developed symptoms that relate to ADHD. The genomes of the mice were also analyzed and it was found that those exposed to nicotine had a higher level of activity in the regulator that controls gene expression, as well as an impacted creation of brain synapses.

Overall, it was found that nicotine affects a baby’s brain into childhood, and can lead to these hard behavioral disorders. Smoking during pregnancy should be avoided for both the health of the baby and mother.