London, Oct 8

Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy have smaller brains and are likely to be more prone to stress and anxiety, according to a study.

A study done on more than 200 children found that those whose mothers were regular smokers during pregnancy are more likely to become moody and depressed than other boys and girls, the Daily Mail reported citing Neuropsychopharmacology journal report published Tuesday.

Scientists suspect tobacco could affect development of foetus by destroying neurons and reducing oxygen supply to the womb because of the narrowing of blood vessels.

After comparing the result of the study with 113 children not exposed to smoking in the womb, researchers found that those whose mothers continued smoking had smaller brains with less grey and white matter.

By:IANS