Supporting someone who is pregnant or has a new baby
You have an important role to play
If someone you care about is pregnant or has a new baby, the support you give can make a real difference. Whether you’re a partner, family member or friend, your actions can help protect both parent and baby, and support them to become smokefree.
Why it matters
Smoking during pregnancy is one of the biggest preventable risks to a baby’s health.
It increases the risk of serious complications, including premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. It can also affect a baby’s health after birth, including increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Being around smoke can also cause harm. Secondhand smoke during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk of health problems for both parent and baby.
How you can make a difference
There are simple but important ways you can help create a smokefree environment:
- Stop smoking yourself – this is one of the most powerful ways to support both parent and baby
- Keep your home and car smokefree
- Avoid smoking around them, especially during pregnancy and after the baby is born
- Encourage and support quit attempts without pressure or judgement
- Be patient and understanding – stopping smoking can take time
Your support can make it easier for someone to stop smoking and stay smokefree.
A smokefree home and car
Creating a smokefree home and car is one of the best ways to protect a baby’s health.
Secondhand smoke can linger in the air and on surfaces, and breathing it in can increase the risk of health problems for babies and young children, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It is also illegal to smoke in a vehicle carrying anyone under the age of 18 in the UK.
Keeping your home and car completely smokefree helps reduce these risks and creates a safer environment for everyone.
It’s not just about them
If you smoke, stopping isn’t just about supporting someone else. It’s about your health, your future, and your family.
Smoking can affect male fertility, including reducing sperm quality and making it harder to conceive.
Stopping smoking can help improve your fertility, as well as your overall health and wellbeing¹. It also reduces the risk of secondhand smoke exposure, helping to protect your baby from harm.
You’ll also save money, which can be put towards making memories with your growing family.
As your child grows, being smokefree means you’re setting a positive example, helping to shape healthier habits for the future. You’ll also notice improvements in your energy levels and overall health, helping you stay active and present as your family grows.
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.