Smoking in pregnancy increases the likelihood of the baby being still born, or premature which can cause breathing, feeding and health problems. Pregnant women and newborn babies are also at risk if they live in a household or share a car with anyone who smokes. Stopping smoking during this important time is good for both mother and baby.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Stopping smoking at any time in your pregnancy has health benefits for both you and your baby, and the earlier you stop smoking the greater those benefits are to you both.
“This year’s National No Smoking Day campaign is all about protecting the health of your brain in later life. During pregnancy and early years, a child’s brain is developing at an amazing pace and so it makes sense to be smokefree during this important time and beyond.
"Research shows that you have double the chance of stopping smoking if you have professional support and the good news is that there is help available from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust's Maternity Stopping Smoking Support Team.
"They can help you with a programme of support that will help you and your baby to be smoke free. So, if you are pregnant, please try to stop smoking – because it's best for both baby and you."
The Maternity Stopping Smoking Support Team provide support to women and families throughout pregnancy and after the birth of their children to lead a healthier lifestyle by stopping smoking and maintaining a smoke free home. They can also support those people using the service to get nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) through their GP.
The Maternity Stopping Smoking Support Team can be contacted directly on 01902 307999 ext 86307 or pregnant people can be referred by their midwife, health visitor or GP. Alternatively, visit the NHS website.
The NHS also offers a range of support to help people stop smoking. These include:
- NHS Text Support – free daily messages proven to help keep you motivated. Text ‘TIPS’ to 63818
- NHS Email support programme – start receiving emails to help you stop smoking for good. Sign up online - search ‘NHS Smokefree’
- NHS Smokefree App – download the free app to your smartphone to track your progress, see how much you're saving and get daily support wherever you are. Search ‘NHS Smokefree’ in Google Play or the AppStore.
- NHS Online Chat tool via Facebook Messenger – get instant support when cravings strike, plus loads of tips, motivation, and advice to help keep you smokefree. Access the chat tool on Facebook Messenger
The theme of this year's national No Smoking Day is 'Stopping smoking improves your brain health', with quitting smoking found to protect people's brain health and reducing chances of dementia.
For more information, please visit Today is the Day.
