Which factor is associated with the risk of placental abruption?

Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is closely associated with an increased risk of placental abruption. This condition occurs when the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterus, which can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus. Smoking is known to cause vascular issues and can indeed impair blood flow to the placenta, potentially leading to this detachment. Furthermore, the toxins in cigarettes can disrupt normal placental function and contribute to various pregnancy complications, including placental abruption.

Other factors related to pregnancy such as low body mass index, fasting during the first trimester, and frequent exercise in the third trimester do not have the same direct or prominent association with the risk of placental abruption as cigarette smoking does. While each of these factors might affect pregnancy outcomes in different ways, their connection to placental abruption is not as established or significant as that of smoking. Therefore, focusing on the impact of cigarette smoking is essential in understanding the risk linked to placental abruption.