A recent comprehensive registry study published in the journal Pediatric Research revealed that infants whose mothers used the moist oral tobacco product snus during pregnancy had a three times higher risk of abrupt infant mortality.

Between 1999 and 2019, the researchers conducted a registry study including more than two million Swedish newborns—only two out of every 10,000 died due to sudden newborn death.

According to the survey, 1% of moms registered for maternal care used snus, and 7% of mothers smoked. A three times greater risk of abrupt infant mortality was seen in children whose mothers used the moist oral tobacco product snus when they were pregnant.

The findings demonstrated a threefold increase in the risk of abrupt newborn death and a 70% rise in baby death throughout the first year, regardless of reason, when snus use is present during pregnancy. The dangers of using snus, or one to nine cigarettes per day, were equal to moderate smoking. Over ten cigarettes smoked, each day carried the greatest hazards. Compared to continuing usage, the risk was reduced by giving up snus and cigarettes before the first checkup at the prenatal clinic.

Experts stated that women need to be aware of the potential harm to fetuses and babies because snus usage has dramatically increased among young women of reproductive age in Sweden over the past few years, and e-cigarettes are becoming more and more popular.

Babies are at risk after cigarette smoke and nicotine exposure in breast milk. The study states that the increase in nicotine intake by mothers is a risk factor for abrupt infant death. Other risk factors include socioeconomic position and the mothers age. However, the amount of snus used during pregnancy or the nicotine dosage that resulted in the adverse effects was unknown.

The researchers conclude that it is best to avoid using any nicotine product by women when pregnant.

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/consuming-nicotine-during-pregnancy-increases-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-study-478148)