Smoking and your health

Q. When I stop smoking, won't I just gain extra weight - especially while I'm pregnant?
A. Yes, possibly, but the health benefits to you and your baby greatly exceed the risks of putting on weight. Watch your diet, making sure you are eating balanced meals with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Low-fat milk and yoghurt and higher-fibre items like wholemeal bread, cereals and baked beans will also give you the balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, that you need. This, of course, will fit in with your doctor or midwife's advice on eating during pregnancy. The great thing is that these foods will give you extra energy too. You will feel healthier both during your pregnancy and in the future.

Q. How can my partner help me to quit?
A. Your partner can help you by not tempting you to smoke. If he's a smoker, ask him not to light up in front of you and agree limited smoking areas in your house. Better still, get him to quit with you. The same goes for grandparents. Dad's or Grandma's smoking can be almost as harmful to your baby as mum smoking. Ask your partner to help and congratulate you every day you spend without a cigarette. Explain to him that stopping can be hard so he needs to be understanding and sympathetic.

NHS Pregnancy smoking helpline: 0800 169 9169