A pregnant woman who smokes has an increased risk of:

The correct answer is that a pregnant woman who smokes has an increased risk of all of the listed complications: low birth weight, preterm delivery, and birth defects.

Smoking during pregnancy exposes the developing fetus to harmful chemicals such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxins. These substances can interfere with the fetus's growth and development. As a result, low birth weight is a significant concern; infants born to mothers who smoke tend to have lower birth weights compared to those born to non-smokers.

Additionally, smoking increases the likelihood of preterm delivery, meaning the baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. This can lead to various health issues for the infant, as their organs may not be fully developed.

Furthermore, the risk of birth defects is also heightened due to the teratogenic effects of the smoke exposure, which can cause abnormalities in fetal development. Research has shown that babies born to mothers who smoke are at an elevated risk for complications such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and other serious birth defects.

Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with smoking during pregnancy reveals the interconnected consequences that smoking can have on maternal and infant health, confirming that all the listed factors contribute to the increased risk for