Smoking in Pregnancy

Stopping smoking in pregnancy is the best thing you can do for the your health and that your baby.

Smoking in pregnancy increases your risk of suffering from a miscarriage, delivering a stillborn baby, experiencing a neonatal death or sudden infant death (SIDs). Babies are also more likely to be born prematurely or growth restricted. This is because the poisons cigarettes deliver, go through the placenta and reduces the baby's access to oxygen. This includes, among other toxins, a poisonous gas called Carbon Monoxide. Every time you smoke a cigarette, or are exposed to passive smoke, carbon monoxide passes through the placenta, reduces the oxygen to your baby and makes their heart beat faster.
 
The earlier you can stop smoking in your pregnancy, the smaller these risks are. We know that with the right support, quitting is four times more likely. Your midwife will therefore offer you a referral to our stop smoking specialist pregnancy team at your booking appointment. The service is free, personal and can provide you with Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is dangerous to you and your baby and is found in cigarettes but is also present in faulty boilers and car exhaust fumes.
 
We are lucky enough to have monitors that assess carbon monoxide exposure. This assessment was paused during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, however following on from national advice, we are able to offer this service again as part of routine maternity care. This testing is offered to all women, regardless of smoking status. You can read more information on  why carbon monoxide screening matters .