New research shows that nearly 30 percent of U.S. women of childbearing age smoke. And, alarmingly, one in five women continues smoking during pregnancy.

Women who smoke in the month preceding pregnancy, or during the first trimester, are more likely to give birth to a child with heart defects. The defects most likely occur in walls separating the chambers of the heart. Furthermore, the infants who survive frequently need multiple surgeries to correct the problem, and oftentimes suffer permanent disability.

If maternal tobacco use could be reduced, the improved reproductive outcomes could save countless infants' lives and save millions of dollars in health care costs.

If you have questions regarding lung health, please contact the American Lung Association Lung Helpline at 1-800-548-8252 or visit the Lung HelpLine. Our registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and smoking cessation specialists are standing by to take your call 7 am to 9 pm (CST).

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