You want a laid back child ? Kick the habit, new study says
Sunday, March 16, 2008 - 18:38
A study by academics of the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York based on over 18 000 UK babies suggests that giving up smoking during pregnancy can affect the behaviour of your new born.
The study results published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health show that mothers who kicked their smoking habit had the most easygoing infants, while heavy smokers had the most difficult children.
Dr Kate Pickett, who led the research, said "Giving up smoking during pregnancy is associated with an urge to protect the baby rather than any intention to quit in the long term. It indicates the capacity to adapt to different circumstances and the ability to plan and to delay gratification, characteristics which seem to be missing in those who carry on smoking."