Despite the widespread prevalence of smoking among women, the exact effects of PEMCS on the developing human brain are as yet not fully understood. Indirect clinical evidence points to the detrimental effects of PEMCS on the fetal brain. A significant negative correlation between PEMCS and the head circumference at birth has been reported 34, 179, 180. Several clinical studies have reported an association of PEMCS with increased incidence of ADHD, externalizing and conduct disorders, criminal behavior, higher rates of aggression, and also an increased incidence of experimenting with, and, developing addiction to cigarette smoking during adolescence181-183. Nevertheless, a causal relationship between PEMCS and externalizing disorders is not definitive, as unmeasured genetic and environmental confounds may largely explain the association184. Language delay, impaired attention and visuo-spatial memory deficits following PEMCS have also been reported185-188.
