The expressions on their faces say it all.
The risks associated with smoking are well known, especially when it comes to pregnant mothers. Even with all the data out there, many women still choose to smoke. A recent study at Durham and Lancaster Universities in the U.K. took 80 high definition ultra-sound images of fetuses at 24 and 36 weeks to find any differences in the hand and facial movements of those with mothers who smoked and those that did not. The alarming images showed the unborn babies that were exposed to cigarettes had drastic facial and hand movements. Normally, fetus movement declines greatly as they mature and gain more control over their body. The researchers feel the nicotine may cause the central nervous system to develop differently and at a slower rate than in normal babies. (h/t Huffington Post)
Below are the ultrascans (top row features the fetuses of the mothers who smoked).
Source: Durham University
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