Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are 1.4 times more likely to display behavioural problems in the classroom.

This is according to a new report from the Economic and Research Institute that was conducted by Dr Cathal McCrory and Professor Richard Layte.

The study found the probability of a youngster being defined as having a behavioural problem increased the more their mother smoked.

For example, children with mothers that had an occasional cigarette were 32 per cent more likely to be reported by teachers as being disruptive, while the offspring of heavy smokers were 78 per cent more likely to be categorised in this way.

Dr Cathal McCrory commented: "It has been known for some time that smoking during pregnancy is associated with premature birth and low birth-weight, but the results of this study show that the effects of smoking during pregnancy are long-lasting and can affect aspects of the child's emotional and behavioural development in later life."

Written by Donal Walsh

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