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.
Supporting smokefree environments
Creating smokefree homes and cars is an important part of protecting babies and young children.
Secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of health problems, including SIDS. It is also illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying anyone under 18 in the UK.
Encouraging patients and their families to adopt smokefree environments is a key part of improving outcomes.
Working in partnership with you
We’re here to support you and your team in delivering smokefree pregnancies and healthier starts.
Whether you’re working in maternity services, primary care or community settings, we can work alongside you to provide consistent, evidence-based support for your patients.
We also offer access to free training to support your practice, including:
- Very Brief Advice (VBA) training
- National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training Level 2 training in smoking cessation
These programmes can help build confidence in having effective conversations and supporting patients to stop smoking.
You can access a range of resources, guidance and patient materials through our Resource Centre
This includes:
- Patient-facing materials to support conversations
- Guidance on referral pathways
- Information to support smokefree pregnancies and postnatal care
You can also access national guidance and patient information from:
Refer your patient today
Early intervention and ongoing support can make a significant difference to outcomes for both parent and baby. We're here to support you and your patient every step of the way.