Maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring executive function: What do we know and what are the next steps?

Dev Psychopathol. 2018 Oct;30(4):1333-1354. doi: 10.1017/S0954579417001687. Epub 2017 Nov 16.

Abstract

Children exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSDP) exhibit difficulties in executive function (EF) from infancy through adolescence. Due to the developmental significance of EF as a predictor of adaptive functioning throughout the life span, the MSDP-EF relation has clear public health implications. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the relationship between MSDP and offspring EF across development; consider brain-based assessments, animal models, and genetically informed studies in an effort to elucidate plausible pathways of effects; discuss implications for prevention and intervention; and make calls to action for future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Executive Function / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / psychology*
  • Smoking / adverse effects*