Expecting a baby? Congratulations! Now is a good time to give up smoking. Up to a quarter of women stop smoking during pregnancy, and a further quarter try to cut down.
Quit smoking for the benefit of you and your family
If you smoke when you're pregnant, it slows the flow of blood in the placenta, which means that fewer nutrients reach the foetus and affect its growth and development. Products from smoke can enter the unborn baby's circulation. Passive smoking can be just as dangerous to pregnant women, even if they aren't smokers themselves.
Give up smoking while you're pregnant and reduce the risk of:
- Miscarriage/stillbirth
- Premature birth
- Cot death
Your baby will be a healthier weight and if you quit smoking you may also produce more breast milk.
Pregnancy is a particularly good time to give up smoking, for the benefit of both you and the baby. You will have the support of your midwife, GP and health visitor – please don't be afraid to ask for help.
We have produced two guides, which offer advice on how to give up smoking for pregnant women and their partners.