Smoking in pregnancy and after your baby is born
You're not alone
If you’re pregnant, thinking about having a baby, or have recently had a baby and you smoke, you’re not alone.
Many people find it difficult to stop smoking, especially during times of change, stress or uncertainty.
Smokefree Hampshire offers free, no judgement support to help you stop smoking in a way that works for you.
It’s never too late to stop, and every step you take can make a difference to your baby’s health and your own.
Why stopping is important
Smoking during pregnancy is one of the biggest preventable risks to your baby’s health. Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, which reduces the oxygen available to your baby. This means their heart has to work harder and can affect how they grow and develop. Smoking also increases the risk of serious complications, including miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. The earlier you stop, the better. But stopping at any stage of pregnancy, or after your baby is born, will still have immediate and lasting benefits.
How smoking can affect your baby
Smoking during pregnancy and after birth can have serious effects on your baby’s health.
These include:
- Increased risk of miscarriage
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Stillbirth
- Breathing problems
- Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
After your baby is born, exposure to secondhand smoke can continue to increase the risk of SIDS and other health problems.
How smoking can affect you
Smoking doesn’t just affect your baby, it can also affect your own health, your pregnancy, and your fertility.
Smoking can make it harder to get pregnant in the first place, as it can affect fertility.
During pregnancy, it can increase the risk of complications and affect your overall wellbeing.
Stopping smoking can help improve your health, your energy levels, and your recovery after birth. It also helps create a healthier environment for your baby from the very beginning.
Myth busting
There are some common myths about smoking in pregnancy. Understanding the facts can help you make informed choices for you and your baby.
"A smaller baby means an easier labour"
Smoking can lead to low birth weight, but this is not a benefit. Babies born with a low birth weight are more likely to have health problems during and after birth.
"It’s too late to stop now"
It’s never too late to stop smoking. Stopping at any stage of pregnancy, or after your baby is born, will benefit both you and your baby.
"Cutting down is enough"
Cutting down is a positive step, but there is no safe level of smoking in pregnancy. The best way to protect your baby is to stop completely.
"Secondhand smoke doesn’t matter"
Breathing in other people’s smoke can still harm you and your baby. It increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and after birth, including SIDS.
A fresh start for your new arrival
With the right support, you can stop smoking and create a healthier start for you and your baby.
How we can help you stop smoking
We know that stopping smoking isn’t always easy. That’s why Smokefree Hampshire offers free, flexible support tailored to you.
You can get:
- One-to-one support from trained Advisors
- Support in person, by phone or online
- Help to build a quit plan that works for you
- Support with cravings, triggers and habits
- Access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Advice on alternatives such as vaping, where appropriate
- Ongoing support during pregnancy and after your baby is born
You’re much more likely to stop smoking successfully with the right support.
Give them the best start in life.
Stopping smoking continues to protect your baby after birth.
If you or anyone in your household smokes, your baby can still be exposed to harmful smoke, even if you don’t smoke in the same room.
Keeping your home and car smokefree is one of the most important things you can do to protect your baby.
It is also illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying anyone under the age of 18 in the UK.
Support for your partner and family
If your partner or someone you live with smokes, their support can make a real difference.
Secondhand smoke carries many of the same risks as smoking itself.
Stopping together can make it easier, and we can support partners and family members too.
Your questions answered
It's normal to have questions, especially if stopping smoking feels difficult
Why is smoking in pregnancy harmful?
Smoking reduces the oxygen and nutrients your baby receives and increases the risk of serious complications.
Is it too late to stop smoking?
No. It’s never too late to stop, and stopping at any stage will benefit you and your baby.
I’m a smoker, what should I do?
The best thing you can do is stop smoking completely. You don’t have to do this alone.
You can get free, no judgement support from Smokefree Hampshire by texting QUIT to 80011 or speaking to your midwife or GP.
I don’t smoke, but others around me do. Is my baby still at risk?
Yes. Secondhand smoke can harm both you and your baby and increases the risk of SIDS.
What is the carbon monoxide (CO) test?
CO is a harmful gas in tobacco smoke that reduces oxygen to your baby.
A simple breath test may be offered during pregnancy to check levels and identify exposure.
What help will I get to stop smoking?
You can get support from trained Advisors, help with cravings, a personalised quit plan, and free access to stop smoking aids.
Can I use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)?
Yes. NRT can be used during pregnancy and is safer than continuing to smoke.
Can I use stop smoking medications like varenicline?
Some medications are not recommended during pregnancy. Your Stop Smoking Advisor will guide you on the safest options.
Can I vape while I am pregnant?
Vaping is not harmless, but is less harmful than smoking. If it helps you stop smoking, it is a better option than continuing to smoke. Your Stop Smoking Advisor will be able to help you decide what's right for you.
What about breastfeeding?
Stopping smoking reduces your baby’s exposure to harmful chemicals and supports healthier breastfeeding.
What if my partner smokes?
Partners play an important role. If they stop smoking too, it helps protect your baby and makes it easier for you to stay smokefree.
Resources and support
You can also find help an advice here:
NHS - Stop smoking during pregnancy