Warnings printed on cigarette packets about the hazards smoking can cause to an unborn child are not getting the message across.

The research has found that 29.1% of women smoke during pregnancy.

The study, funded by Cardiff University, was designed to explore the link between smoking and antisocial behavior, but made the surprising discovery during the course of the investigation.

It found that of the figure of those who admitted to smoking while pregnant, more than half said they had smoked upwards of 10 cigarettes a day, while one in 20 revealed they had smoked more than a full packet of 20 every day.

A Disturbing Trend

Geoff Davies, a Barry-based GP, said the results of the study demonstrated a disturbing trend among mothers-to-be.

He said, "Not only are smokers damaging themselves, but women who smoke while they are pregnant run the risk of damaging their unborn fetuses.

"There's a lot of evidence to say that babies born to mothers who smoked can be a lot smaller.

"There are a lot of negative effects, but that doesn't seem to be having much impact.

"Smoking is on the increase, particularly among young women, and it seems many do no stop when they become pregnant.

"That is a great worry to the health of the nation, and these are shocking new figures."

Dr. Dai Lloyd AM, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Social Services Committee, described the findings as "immensely disappointing."

He said, "We have known for years, the population have known for years, and even on cigarette packets it has said for years, that smoking harms your baby.

"In light of that, these new figures really are immensely disappointing, but they just go to show that the government and everyone in health promotion must now redouble their efforts."

Not Getting the Message Across

The research suggests the series of warnings printed on cigarette packets about the hazards smoking can cause to an unborn child are not getting the message across.

Cigarette smoke contains ingredients such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and cyanide, all of which, it has been proved, can be transferred to unborn babies.

Links have been made between prenatal smoking and stunted development in the womb, including bowel and spinal problems, and an increased possibility of suffering respiratory problems in later life.

It is also believed to increase the likelihood of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

And with the study finding a connection between maternal smoking and both antisocial behavior and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the list of potential dangers is set to grow.

The research, by the Cardiff Study of All Wales and North West England Twins, concluded smoking during pregnancy almost certainly increased the risk of the two conditions developing in the child.

Antisocial Behavioor, ADHD

The report concluded, "Maternal prenatal smoking is associated with both antisocial behavior and ADHD in offspring.

"We cannot conclude with confidence that smoking during pregnancy is not a direct risk factor for both ADHD symptoms and conduct disorder in offspring.

"Therefore, the safest clinical message is that smoking in pregnancy should be avoided."