Hallow Dear, Smoking - whether active or passive - is definitely harmful to the mother as well as baby in utero. Nicotine in tobacco causes detrimental effects on the blood vessels. Hence rise in mother s blood pressure and placental starving due to constriction of the blood vessels are common effects of tobacco. This placental effect leads to intrauterine growth retardation of the baby. In addition to high blood pressure, there are many effects on the mother s health like hyperacidity, confusion, sleeplessness, risk of cancer, etc. Tobacco in any form is harmful - smoking, chewing, snuffing or applying to gums and teeth (mishri). So avoid tobacco use completely, and also avoid passive smoking also totally. I hope this gives you message. Dr. Nishikant Shrotri