Smoking and Pregnancy - Helping smokers to quit
Around 22% of women in the North East are still smoking at the time when they deliver their baby, despite the scientifically proven risks to the unborn child.
Smoking can cause a greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Babies exposed to smoke in the womb are more likely to be born prematurely and with a low birth weight (which contrary to myth does not result in a less painful birth).
Once born, smoking increases the risk of cot death. And children are more at risk of getting infections such as inflammation of the middle ear in childhood. Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of asthma and other chest infections in young children - with children of parents who smoke more likely to become a smoker as they get older.
Everyone in the NHS, from midwives to GPs to health visitors, have a crucial role to play. NHS Stop Smoking Services in the North East have specialist advisers whose role it is to support women who are pregnant to quit. These advisers hold a regular regional forum to share best practice and improve NHS services to women who smoke and who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant, or have recently given birth.
Fresh inputs to these meetings by providing insight on performance, innovation, and the latest evidence base from across the region, nationally and internationally on this topic.
More details on smoking and pregnancy, as well as smoking's effects on fertility and the menopause, are available in the ASH Fact Sheet on Smoking and Reproduction