Declining rates of smoking during pregnancy are contributing to improved health outcomes for mothers and babies, as evidenced by recent data from north East Lincolnshire.
Important Reduction in Smoking Rates
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Between July 1,2025,and September 30,2025,7.9% of pregnant women in North East Lincolnshire were identified as smokers at the time of delivery – representing 25 women. This marks a significant decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when the rate stood at 11.8% (30 women).
Positive Impact on Community Health
Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader at north East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, emphasized the meaning of this progress: “This represents some of the strongest improvements seen in recent years, making a real difference to the health of women and babies in our communities.”
The reduction in smoking during pregnancy is expected to lower the risk of smoking-related complications for mothers and babies and decrease the incidence of long-term health issues in children.
Collaborative Efforts Driving success
The success is credited to strong collaborative efforts and intensive support programs for families. Laura colby, Public Health Manager for Tobacco Control for North and North East Lincolnshire Council, stated, “This encouraging data reflects the strength of partnership working, a shared commitment to saving babies’ lives, and the delivery of intensive stop smoking support for families, all of which are improving outcomes for women, babies, and families across North and North East Lincolnshire.”
Personal Story Highlights the Importance of Quitting
One local mother, Charlotte, shared her experience of quitting smoking after a health scare during her pregnancy, which involved breathing difficulties and a near-emergency c-section. Her story, featured by NELC, highlights the potential severity of smoking-related complications Grimsby mum quits smoking following pregnancy scare.
Risks Associated with Smoking During Pregnancy
Smoking while pregnant poses significant health risks, including:
- Increased risk of stillbirth
- Higher incidence of miscarriage
- Elevated risk of sudden infant death (SIDS)
- Respiratory illnesses in children
- Learning difficulties in children
- Increased risk of diabetes in children
- Increased likelihood of children becoming smokers themselves
Financial Burden of smoking
Beyond the health consequences, smoking also places a financial strain on families.The average smoker spends approximately £3,000 annually on tobacco. Younger women, particularly those in deprived areas, are disproportionately affected, frequently enough facing both smoking-related health risks and financial hardship.
Available Support and Resources
Several resources are available to support pregnant women and their families in quitting smoking:
- Hospital Stop Smoking Advisers: access support through local hospitals.
- North East Lincolnshire Council wellbeing Service: Offers free, amiable, and effective help through www.nelincs.gov.uk/stop-smoking or by calling 01472 325500.
- Tobacco Dependency Team: Midwives can refer individuals for specialized quit support and access to a national scheme offering financial incentives – up to £400 in shopping vouchers – for successful smoking cessation during and after pregnancy.
published: 2026/01/08 14:32:03
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