Hall J, et al. - In this investigation, researchers assessed the connection between rates of smoking during pregnancy (SDP) and corporate tobacco sales policies. Maternal SDP is a leading preventable cause of adverse birth outcomes in the US, increasing miscarriage rates, preterm birth rates, low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and poor lung function. According to findings, the tremendous disparity remains among vulnerable populations despite a 28% decline in SDP rates from 2011 to 2016. Investigators found that the SDP rate was higher among younger, less educated, socio-economically disadvantaged pregnant women and rural residents, compared to other expectant mothers.