Which of the following are maternal risks associated with tobacco use?

Tobacco use during pregnancy is known to significantly increase the risk of several maternal complications, one of which is preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems that typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. Studies have shown that smoking is linked to a higher incidence of preeclampsia due to the effects of nicotine and other harmful substances found in tobacco, which can affect blood flow and the body's ability to manage blood pressure.

In contrast, other options such as gestational diabetes, fetal alcohol syndrome, and neural tube defects either have different primary risk factors or are not directly associated with tobacco use. Gestational diabetes is influenced more by obesity and genetic factors; fetal alcohol syndrome is specifically related to alcohol consumption during pregnancy; and neural tube defects are primarily associated with folic acid deficiency, not tobacco use. This underscores the importance of addressing smoking cessation as a critical component of prenatal care to mitigate risks associated with preeclampsia and improve outcomes for both mother and child.