Smoking and pregnancy

Asian plus size mother embracing and carrying her newborn baby at home
Profile of mature woman blowing out cigarette smoke

Quitting smoking during pregnancy

If you’re pregnant and smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to protect you and your baby’s health.

We know that while most people understand the risks of smoking during pregnancy, it doesn’t make quitting any easier. And with so much advice coming your way, it can feel overwhelming.

Benefits of quitting smoking when pregnant

Smoking can affect both your body and your baby’s development. Here are some of the health impacts.

  • Smoking raises the chance of some pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia, a leading cause of maternal health issues in the UK.
  • Smoke and toxins directly impact your lungs, which can make breathing harder
  • Smoking can narrow your baby’s airways, increasing the risk of asthma and breathing problems after birth.
  • Carbon monoxide in smoke restricts oxygen in your blood, which can slow down your baby’s growth. Smoking is linked to premature delivery and low birth weight, which can lead to health challenges for your baby.
  • Smoking makes a baby’s heartbeat faster to compensate for reduced oxygen
  • Over 4,000 chemicals, including ammonia and arsenic, are absorbed into your bloodstream from smoking. These pass through the placenta, affecting your baby.
  • Smoking increases the risks of placental issues like detachment or bleeding. But quitting early, even within the first three months, can significantly reduce these risks.

You and your baby are deeply connected

Everything you consume, including smoke, directly impacts your baby’s health. Toxins from cigarettes are passed from your bloodstream to your baby, affecting growth and development even before birth.

If you smoke during pregnancy, your baby may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms after birth, making them more stressed and irritable. You can read more about smoking and your unborn baby on the NHS.

Contact us for support

Quitting can be hard, but support is available. Find out if you are eligible for a free appointment. We can give you advice on taking that next step toward a smoke-free, healthier future for you and your baby.

Please note, our service does not currently provide support to stop vaping (unless you are using or about to start using home oxygen), however, we have a self-help guide to help you quit, advice for young people and guidance for parents and carers.