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Introductory Facts During the first trimester of the mother's pregnancy, when basic body structures are rapidly forming, the fetus is extremely vulnerable to environmental factors such as viral infections, radiation, drugs, and other tetratogens (an agent or infl ....

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.... medical advice face increased risks of losing their babies once they are born. In some States, they also risk criminal prosecution. (3) Children born to women who use drugs like alcohol, tobacco, or cocaine may have long term health problems. (2) Pregnancy and Smoking Cigarette smoking is associated with severe adverse conditions in newborns, including low birth weight. Infants whose parents smoke are unusually susceptible to pneumonia and bronchitis during their first year. (1) For women trying to become pregnant, smoking may impair fertility. For pregnant women, smoking increases the risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy ....