Smoking and pregnancy

Like most mums-to-be, you want to be sure of two things - a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Stopping smoking is the single most important thing that you can do to achieve these

Having a baby should be an exciting and challenging experience. You'll want to make sure that you have a straightforward, relaxed nine months. But if you're a smoker, you significantly increase the risk of complications during your pregnancy. You and your baby have a lot to gain from you quitting, financially and healthwise. Every year 56,000 pregnant women stop smoking. Give yourself and your baby a head start by kicking the habit for good.

Q. What difference will smoking make to my pregnancy?

A. If you carry on smoking, you're more likely to suffer complications during your pregnancy. This means that there's a greater risk of:

Having a miscarriageBleedingYour waters breaking early - as a result, your baby might be born with an infectionYour baby being born prematurelyYour baby dying just before or after birthYour baby dying from cot deathYou having an ectopic pregnancy Your baby being smaller and lighter

NHS Pregnancy smoking helpline: 0800 169 9169