The objective of the work was to study the relationship between the oxidative state of the mother and the newborn at the moment of birth. We measured oxidative stress markers (carbonyl groups, lipid peroxides and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) and found a good correlation between the oxidative state of the normal mother and the neonate, since a high mother oxidative stress corresponds to an even higher oxidative stress of the newborn in umbilical cord blood. We also found that smoking mothers and their newborns had a higher concentration of the carbonyl group, lipid peroxides and less TAC. Newborns from these mothers weighed significantly less than others at birth. These data suggest a need for interest in monitoring the oxidative state of mothers during the pregnancy period, especially taking into account that the oxidative level could be involved in later risks of metabolic diseases for both mother and newborn.