Prenatal Exposure To Cigarette Smoke Affects Arousal In Babies - A Risk Factor For SIDS

We know that risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) include exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy, and difficulty to be aroused from sleep. "It now appears that smoking during pregnancy may cause defective arousal responses of an infant." Dr Chris Seton, paediatric sleep specialist at The New Children's Hospital, Westmead, says.

Recent research conducted in Belgium found that babies who had mothers who smoked during pregnancy were more difficult to arouse while asleep. The researchers concluded that smoking during pregnancy influenced the development of the fetus' brain, mainly in brainstem tissues in regions associated with the regulation of arousal and cardio-pulmonary integration. They felt this could account for the decreases in arousability.

"These findings do offer additional evidence to continue our advice to expectant mothers to stop smoking during pregnancy." says Dr Seton.

"Whilst we have been very successful in reducing the number of babies dying each year of SIDS, one risk factor where there has been little change in behaviour is smoking. In fact more and more young women are taking up smoking each year. We've known for some time that the risk of SIDS is increased by four times if the mother smokes during pregnancy or during baby's first year of life. If both parents smoke, the risk increases a further 2.5 times. This research reinforces our need to alert all parents to the dangers of exposing their babies to cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth."

The number of babies dying of SIDS has been greatly reduced since 1988 due to the research that has been conducted and the awareness program highlighting the risk factors, which contribute to SIDS. However, 117 babies died in 1999 Australia-wide of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and it is still the largest cause of death in babies aged between one month and one year.

Friday 30th June is Red Nose Day. Money raised continues to be used for education campaigns, further research into risk factors of SIDS and also counselling of families who have lost a child under the age of six years, unexpectedly.

Risk to babies can be reduced by:

• Keeping babies smokefree, before birth and after
• Putting babies to sleep on their back
• Making sure babies' heads remain uncovered during sleep

For further information, contact Debra Fowler, Public Relations Officer,
The New Children's Hospital, Ph (02) 9845 3584 or page via switchboard on Ph 9845 0000.