In the submitted review the author summarizes experimental, clinical and epide- miological findings on the intrauterine exposure to nicotine. Nicotine exerts typical effects on the brain in lower doses than those which cause symmetrical foetal growth retardation. These effects of nicotine increase the perception of the neonate to hypoxia and prevent at the same time the development of the unique defence reaction observed under normal conditions only in the early period of life after birth. The clinical consequence of these changes is a higher risk of the sudden death syndrome as revealed formerly by epidemiological studies. Specialists agree at present on the following conclusions: - during prenatal development the foetus should not be exposed to any nicotine, particularly not in the second half of pregnancy - administration of NNT in chewing gum is safer than smoking - amounts of nicotine in NNT should not exceed those derived by the pregnant woman from smoking. Therefore NNT administration should be preceded by examination of the nicotine/cotinine level in biological material - so far we do not know a safe nicotine dose during pregnancy - every attending physician should support smoking cessation in women during pregnancy, as during this period women are highly motivated for a healthy lifestyle.

        Key words: nicotine replacement therapy - pregnancy