When it comes to a healthy pregnancy, much of the focus is on the mother’s lifestyle, her diet, stress levels, and habits. But what about the father? Does father’s unhealthy lifestyle put the pregnancy at risk? Emerging research suggests that a male partner’s smoking habits could play a surprising role in increasing the risk of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. While the dangers of maternal smoking are gravely severe, secondhand smoke and even sperm health may influence pregnancy outcomes in ways many couples may not realise. Could quitting smoking be a crucial step for both parents-to-be? 

To understand how the father’s smoking habit can put your pregnancy at risk, OnlyMyHealth team spoke to  

"Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and potential damage to organs, often the liver and kidneys," explains Dr Neha Khandelwal. "It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, severe headaches, swelling, and vision disturbances. In severe cases, it can progress to eclampsia, a life-threatening condition involving seizures."

While multiple factors contribute to preeclampsia, researchers believe it is linked to issues with the placenta, maternal immune response, and vascular health. However, new evidence suggests that a male partner’s smoking may also play a role in the development of this condition.

Research suggests that women whose partners smoke are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia compared to those with non-smoking partners. Although more studies are needed to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, existing evidence strongly suggests that exposure to tobacco, whether directly or through the male partner, has negative consequences on pregnancy.

Smoking is widely known to have harmful effects on reproductive health, but its impact is not limited to just the mother. Even if a pregnant woman does not smoke, exposure to tobacco toxins through her partner can significantly affect pregnancy outcomes.

1. Sperm DNA Damage

Smoking leads to oxidative stress, which damages sperm DNA. "Poor sperm quality has been linked to abnormal placental development, which is a key factor in preeclampsia," says Dr Khandelwal. "If the sperm carries genetic alterations due to tobacco exposure, it may increase the mother’s risk of developing this condition."

2. Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

If the father smokes around the pregnant mother, she is exposed to harmful chemicals such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar. Secondhand smoke is known to damage maternal blood vessels and lead to vascular dysfunction, which increases the risk of high blood pressure and, consequently, preeclampsia.

3. Impact on Placental Development

Smoking can negatively influence how the placenta develops. The placenta plays a crucial role in providing oxygen and nutrients to the baby, and any disruption in its function can lead to complications, including preeclampsia. "Poor sperm health due to smoking can interfere with proper placental function, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications," says Dr Khandelwal.

4. Reduced Nitric Oxide Production

Nitric oxide is essential for maintaining proper blood vessel function. "Smoking in men has been linked to lower nitric oxide levels, which can increase vascular resistance, a factor associated with preeclampsia," explains Dr Khandelwal. This means that smoking-induced changes in the father’s body can indirectly affect the mother’s blood pressure regulation during pregnancy.

If you or your partner are planning to conceive, lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Dr Khandelwal shares some key recommendations:

Preeclampsia is a complex condition with multiple risk factors, but a male partner’s smoking habits may significantly contribute to its development. "The best course of action is for both partners to adopt a healthier lifestyle before and during pregnancy," says Dr Khandelwal. "Quitting smoking not only benefits the expecting mother but also improves overall fertility and fetal health outcomes." If you and your partner are planning for pregnancy, consulting a healthcare provider about smoking cessation and lifestyle changes can be a crucial step towards ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.