Supporting smokefree pregnancies and healthier starts
Working together to support smokefree pregnancies
Smoking in pregnancy remains one of the biggest preventable risks to poor birth outcomes, including premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. It also increases the risk of complications after birth, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Healthcare professionals are in a unique position to identify smoking early, offer brief advice, and connect patients with specialist support. Smokefree Hampshire provides free, evidence-based support to help patients become smokefree during pregnancy and after their baby is born.
What we offer
Our service is designed to support patients throughout pregnancy and into the postnatal period, with a flexible approach that works alongside your care.
We provide:
- Specialist one-to-one behavioural support
- Support from pregnancy through to 12 weeks postpartum
- Access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Advice on harm reduction approaches, including vaping where appropriate
- Carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring where applicable
- Support for partners and household members
- Ongoing relapse prevention support
Our trained Advisors provide structured, consistent support that complements routine care.
Why refer to Smokefree Hampshire?
Referring patients into specialist support significantly improves their chances of stopping smoking. People are more likely to quit successfully with behavioural support and treatment than by trying to quit alone.
By referring, you can:
- Ensure patients receive dedicated, ongoing support
- Reinforce your advice with specialist follow-up
- Help reduce the risk of complications linked to smoking in pregnancy
- Support wider household smokefree behaviour change
A simple referral allows you to move from a brief conversation to sustained support.
Making every contact count
Even a short conversation can have a meaningful impact.
Asking about smoking status, advising on the benefits of stopping, and offering a referral can help patients take the next step.
A clear, supportive message, combined with a direct referral, is one of the most effective ways to support smokefree pregnancies.
How to refer
Referring to us is quick and easy
Using Systm1 or Emis Web
The referral goes straight to our secure nhs.net inbox and we will call your patient and triage.
Refer using our website
Click here to make a referral
Self-referral
Your patient can self-refer by clicking here or texting the word QUIT to 80011
Referrals can be made at any stage of pregnancy and into the postnatal period. Early referral is encouraged to maximise impact.
What happens after a referral?
Once a referral is received:
- The patient is contacted by a specialist Advisor
- A personalised quit plan is agreed
- Ongoing support is provided through regular follow-up
- Advice on NRT and harm reduction options is offered where appropriate
- Support can extend into the postnatal period to prevent relapse
This ensures continuity of care beyond routine appointments.
A fresh start for your new arrival
With the right support, you can stop smoking and create a healthier start for your family.
Support to help you stop smoking
You don’t have to do this on your own.
There are different types of support available to help you stop smoking in a way that works for you.
This may include:
- One-to-one support from trained Stop Smoking Advisors
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches, gum or lozenges
- Vapes (e-cigarettes), which are much less harmful than smoking and can be an effective way to quit
If you are using a vape, using it instead of smoking and avoiding smoking indoors or around others can help reduce harm while you work towards becoming smokefree.
Getting support can significantly improve your chances of stopping for good.
Help and advice
We know that stopping smoking isn’t always easy. Cravings, habits and everyday pressures can make it feel challenging at times. Our team supports people to become smokefree every day, and we’ve pulled together practical advice to help you manage cravings, stay motivated and keep going.
Your questions answered
Do I really need to stop if I’m not the one who’s pregnant?
Yes. Stopping smoking helps protect both parent and baby from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, and makes it easier for them to quit too.
Is smoking outside enough?
Smoking outside is better than smoking indoors, but smoke can still be carried on clothes, hair and skin. The best way to protect your baby is to stop smoking completely.
Is vaping a better option than smoking?
Yes. Vaping is not risk-free, but it is much less harmful than smoking because it does not produce the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. If you are finding it difficult to stop smoking, switching completely to vaping can help you quit, especially when combined with support.
What if they’re trying to quit and finding it hard?
Stopping smoking can take time. Being supportive, patient and encouraging can make a big difference. Avoid pressure or judgement, and focus on helping them keep going.
Can I get support to stop smoking too?
Yes, we're here for anyone who smokes or vapes and wants to quit. And with support, you're three times more likely to quit for good.
We're here for you, too.
Our support isn’t just for the person who is pregnant. If you live with someone who is pregnant or has a new baby, you can access support to help you stop smoking and create a smokefree home environment for your family.