12.b.1. Becker, R. F., Experimental studies on nicotine absorption in rats during pregnancy. III. Effect of subcutaneous injection of small chronic doses upon mother, fetus, and neonate, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol., 100, 956—968, 1968. Subcutaneous injection of pregnant rats with nicotine (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg twice daily) did not affect birthweight or survival of offspring. Injection of 3.0 or 5.0 mg/kg resulted in consumption of less food by dams during pregnancy and decreased maternal weight gain. Length of gestation was increased by 2 to 4 days. Offspring weighed less than controls at birth.