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Smoking in pregnancy

If you are a smoker it’s important to try and stop as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. There’s lots of help and support out there to help you give up, and you and your baby will notice the benefits immediately.

Smoking whilst pregnant not only damages your own health, but can also harm your baby. It has been linked to a variety of health problems including premature birth, low birth weight, cot death, miscarriage, and breathing problems/wheezing in the first six months of life. By giving up smoking, you can help your baby get a healthier start in life.

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If you stop smoking during pregnancy, you will have less morning sickness and fewer complications.

If you're trying to give up smoking, also encourage those around you to do the same. Second hand smoke contains poisonous gases, tar and thousands of toxic chemicals which are harmful to you and your baby's health.

Support
Only you can decide to quit. From there on you can get help and support to stay a non-smoker.

The NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline 0800 169 9 169 is a confidential support service. A specially trained person will answer your call and will listen to your needs, suggest different ways of giving up smoking, and can send you a free information pack.

Local NHS Stop Smoking Services are available in your area. Special help is available for pregnant mums and their partners who are finding it difficult to give up. To find out where your local service is, call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 9 169 or visit the Givingupsmoking website.

Risks and Health Concerns During Pregnancy

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