Smoke-free pregnancy

A smoke-free pregnancy and beyond

Every cigarette you smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, so smoking when you are pregnant harms your unborn baby.

Stopping smoking will benefit both you and your baby:

you will have less morning sickness and fewer complications in pregnancy
you are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby
you will reduce the risk of stillbirth
you will cope better with the birth
your baby is less likely to be born too early and have to face the additional breathing, feeding and health problems that often go with being premature
your baby is less likely to be born underweight: causing problems during and after labour, for example they are more likely to have a problem keeping warm and are more prone to infection
you will reduce the risk of cot death (sudden infant death)
your children will be less likely to develop asthma and other more serious illnesses in the future that may need hospital treatment

Staying smoke free

The home is the biggest source of tobacco smoke with over 50 children admitted to hospital every day in the UK as a result.

Even after pregnancy it is important to stay smoke free for your own health and that of your baby or growing child.

If you smoke when your children are around, they can inhale the equivalent of 150 cigarettes a year. The best thing you can do is ban or restrict smoking in your home and car.

By doing this you will reduce the risk to your family and improve their health.