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The most critical information for pregnant women in a smoking cessation class is the relationship between smoking and low birth weight. Studies consistently show that smoking during pregnancy can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, one of the most significant being the risk of delivering a baby with low birth weight. Low birth weight is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term health problems for the infant. Understanding this connection is vital for motivating pregnant women to quit smoking, as it directly impacts the health of their baby.

The other options may seem relevant but do not convey the same level of urgency or importance regarding fetal health. For instance, the notion that low tar cigarettes are less harmful during pregnancy is misleading and may contribute to the dangerous misunderstanding that any form of smoking is acceptable. The idea that the placenta serves as a barrier to nicotine is not accurate, as nicotine and other harmful substances from smoking do cross the placenta and affect fetal development. Lastly, the suggestion that moderate smoking can aid in weight control is also misleading and potentially harmful, as it downplays the serious health risks associated with smoking during pregnancy. Emphasizing the established risks, such as low birth weight, is essential for helping pregnant women understand the importance of quitting smoking for the sake of their baby's health.