A new study conducted at the James Cook University Hospital has revealed the harmful effects of smoking on unborn babies. 4D scans were used in the research to detect tiny movements made by foetuses in the womb. By monitoring their movements, doctors believe that they can rule out potential problems caused by smoking and also encourage mothers to give up the habit.

20 expectant mothers were closely monitored by Dr Nadja Reissland, out of whom 4 were smokers. The doctor monitored thousands of small movements made by foetuses at weeks 24, 28, 32, and 36.

The results found read thus:

1. Foetuses moved their mouths and touched themselves more frequently as they developed limbs.

2. Smoking mothers can lead to a delayed development of their babies' central nervous systems.

3. There is greater risk for heart damage as well as premature births and miscarriages.

All babies included in the study were born healthy and were of a normal size.