What are the effects of smoking on fertility and pregnancy outcomes?

• A. Smoking reduces ovarian reserve, impairs oocyte quality, increases miscarriage risk, and worse obstetric outcomes.
• B. Smoking enhances fertility.
• C. Smoking has no impact on fertility.
• D. Smoking prevents pregnancy in all cases.

Answer: (A)

Smoking harms fertility and pregnancy outcomes by introducing toxins that disrupt the function of the ovaries, the quality of the eggs, and the developing placenta. In women, these toxins can speed up ovarian aging and reduce ovarian reserve, making conception more difficult. They also damage oocytes, raising the likelihood of genetic problems in the embryo and increasing the risk of miscarriage. During pregnancy, nicotine and other components constrict blood vessels and reduce oxygen delivery to the fetus, contributing to placental problems and adverse outcomes such as fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Smoking can also affect male fertility by lowering sperm count, motility, and morphology, which further influences the chances of conceiving. Importantly, stopping smoking improves fertility prospects and reduces the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes over time.