Smoking in pregnancy: protecting you and your baby
Quitting smoking during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do to protect you and your baby’s health and give them the best start in life.
Why quitting matters
Smoking during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for both you and your baby. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes restrict the oxygen and nutrients your baby receives, increasing the risk of:
- miscarriage
- stillbirth
- premature birth
- low birth weight
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), commonly known as cot death
- birth defects
- long-term health issues
Even small amounts of smoke can have a big impact so it’s important to quit completely - cutting down isn’t enough.
You can watch this video on Tommy’s the Pregnancy and Baby Charity website showing the effects of smoking on your baby.
Benefits of quitting
The benefits of quitting smoking start immediately:
- harmful gases like carbon monoxide begin to clear from your bloodstream
- your baby receives more oxygen
- your heart and lungs work better
- you reduce the risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and stillbirth
- you’re more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby
Quitting at any stage of pregnancy helps - but the earlier, the better.
Second-hand and third-hand smoke harms too
If your partner or anyone in your household smokes, their smoke can still affect you and your baby - before and after birth.
Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of:
- premature birth
- low birth weight
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
Opening windows or smoking in another room doesn’t make it safe. The only way to protect your baby is to make your home completely smoke-free.
Find out more about second and third-hand smoke.
Staying smoke-free after birth
Your baby’s arrival doesn’t mean your reason to quit is over - staying smoke-free continues to protect your baby’s health. It:
- reduces risk of SIDS, asthma, and ear infections
- sets a healthy example for your child
- saves money for your family
Smoking and breastfeeding
If you’re struggling to quit:
- don’t stop breastfeeding, it still provides vital protection and nutrients
- avoid smoking before feeding to reduce nicotine in breast milk
- make your home smoke-free and ask others not to smoke near your baby
- never co-sleep with your baby if you or your partner smoke, drink alcohol, or take sedatives. This increases the risk of SIDS
Support to quit
In Greater Manchester, the Smokefree Pregnancy Programme offers tailored support:
- speak to your midwife about quitting - they can support you and refer you to the GM Smokefree Pregnancy programme. If you prefer, you can also get support from ABL Health
- the Smokefree Pregnancy Programme offers an incentive scheme which includes vouchers for validated quit attempts. Partners and household members can also get support to quit. You can get support for up to 12 months so there is a period of post-natal support too and ongoing contact in case you start smoking again
- if you start smoking again after the 12 months, ABL Health can help you quit again
Need help?
Talk to your midwife or contact ABL Health to get started on your smokefree journey.