Effects of prenatal maternal smoking on placental IGF-1, leptin, and HPL expression and breastfeeding practices

Smoking during pregnancy has many negative effects, such as growth retardation, premature birth, and placental detachment. However, although it is known to have negative effects during breastfeeding, it has not been examined in detail as the pregnancy period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking during pregnancy on the placenta and its relationship with breastfeeding practices and placental hormone levels. The study included 70 women who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery. The participants were divided into two groups: smokers (n = 35) and non-smokers (n = 35). The breastfeeding conditions of both groups were evaluated prior to discharge and on the 10th day, postpartum. Cross-sectional samples of placental tissues were collected, and their IGF-1, leptin, and HPL immunoreactivities were analyzed. A significant difference was found between the smoking status of the mothers and the immunoreactivity of IGF-1, leptin, and HPL (p < 0.05). Pregnant mothers who smoked showed lower expression of IGF-1, leptin, and HPL than non-smoker pregnant mothers. These results indicate that maternal smoking during pregnancy has adverse effects on the placenta and cord blood and may affect fetal development. Moreover, prenatal maternal smoking is associated with changes in breastfeeding practices.