Decrease in Smoking Rates Correlates with Fewer Cases of Gastroschisis in Newborns

Recent research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference and Exhibition reveals a significant link between declining smoking rates in the U.S. population and a reduction in infants born with gastroschisis, a congenital birth defect where organs develop outside the body due to incomplete abdominal wall formation. Over the past few years, public health initiatives aimed at discouraging smoking, especially among women of reproductive age, have contributed to a steady decrease in maternal smoking prior to conception. This decline appears to be directly associated with a drop in gastroschisis cases.

Analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services covering 2017 to 2023, researchers identified 5,121 newborns diagnosed with gastroschisis out of over 25 million live births. Notably, 16.75% of these cases involved mothers with a history of smoking before pregnancy. Maternal smoking rates decreased from 9.4% in 2017 to 4.1% in 2023. During this same period, the incidence of gastroschisis also fell from 2.4 to 1.6 cases per 10,000 births.

The study also found that for each additional 10 cigarettes smoked daily before pregnancy, the risk of a gastroschisis diagnosis increased by 39%. Experts emphasize that public health efforts targeting smoking cessation can have far-reaching effects beyond general health, notably reducing the prevalence of rare congenital conditions. Dr. Zane Hellmann highlighted that addressing common risk factors like smoking can significantly impact the occurrence of complex birth defects, demonstrating the importance of preventive healthcare strategies.

This research underscores the importance of continued public health campaigns against smoking, emphasizing their role in improving birth outcomes and reducing the prevalence of congenital abnormalities in future generations.

Source: Medical Xpress