Secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is associated with which outcome?

Secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is strongly linked to adverse outcomes, with stillbirth being one of the most concerning consequences. When a pregnant individual is exposed to secondhand smoke, the harmful chemicals in the smoke can affect fetal development. This exposure can lead to various complications, including placental problems that increase the risk of stillbirth—when a fetus dies at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

In contrast, the other options reflect outcomes that are not typically associated with secondhand smoke exposure. For instance, increased fetal growth and reduced risk of low birth weight are unlikely as secondhand smoke is more often associated with growth restrictions and low birth weight due to its detrimental effects on fetal health. Improved neurodevelopment is also not supported; in fact, exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy may harm neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, increasing the risk for cognitive and behavioral issues later in life.

Understanding the risk factors of secondhand smoke is crucial for prenatal care, as avoiding it can contribute to better health outcomes for both the mother and the developing fetus.