PA
Medics have warned women who smoke or use nicotine patches or gum while pregnant that they could be exposing their babies to a greater risk of high blood pressure and heart problems in later life.
In a report in the British Journal of Pharmacology, US Scientists reveal that unborn babies absorb the nicotine whilst in the womb, and the chemical then changes the make up of the blood vessels which could lead to health issues in adulthood.
Dr DaLiao Xiao from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California, said: 'We have found distinct links between cigarette smoking or even using nicotine patches or gum and the long-term harm for the child.'
Scary stuff. Have you battled to quit smoking whilst pregnant?
Or have you used nicotine patches when expecting?