Smoking in pregnancy

Cigarettes contain lots of chemicals, which have a harmful effect on you and your unborn baby. Not smoking is the best way to protect you and your baby and give your baby the best start in life.

It can be challenging to give up smoking but its never too late. When you stop smoking you reduce your risk of complications in pregnancy and birth and are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and healthier baby.

Facts

Smoking restricts the oxygen you give to your unborn baby causing their hearts to work harder with each cigarette you smoke. Not smoking lessens the risk of your baby being born with breathing complications and you are more likely to have a healthier baby.
Smokers are nearly a third more likely to suffer miscarriage and have double the likelihood of stillbirth compared with those who don't smoke.
Smoking in pregnancy can impact the newborn baby even after birth, with sudden infant deaths nearly three times as likely. The risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is greatly increased If you or your partner smokes while you’re pregnant or after your baby is born. The NHS and The Lullaby Trust has more information about the risk of smoking and how to keep your baby smoke free.
You are 3 times more likely to quit with help and support.
Someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day can save over £2,500 per year if they stop smoking.

Further information

Get help to stop smoking

Voucher scheme for pregnant smokers. Stopping smoking during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the health of your baby. Cigarettes restrict the essential oxygen supply to your baby, so their heart has to beat harder every time you smoke. Our stop smoking incentive scheme for pregnant women offers free nicotine replacement therapy and or E-cigarettes, for both you and a significant other and up to £170 for completing the programme and becoming smoke-free. Vouchers are available for a number of high-street retailers. Contact CYC Health Trainers for more information or to make an appointment.
CYC Health Trainers offer free support for all York residents to help them stop smoking. The CYC Health Trainers provides 1-1 behaviour change advise which can support you to change your smoking behaviours, and advise you which medications to buy, if necessary. We offer free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and or e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than cigarettes and are an effective aid for quitting.
Bump the habit supports pregnant women to stop smoking.
In addition, the NHS and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) have a range of factsheets and information on their website that you may find useful.