See the real benefits of stopping smoking for you and your baby
Stop smoking services help hundreds of women, just like you, to kick the habit. Our advisors will chat to you about your smoking and work out the best plan for you. This could include free nicotine replacement if you need it and as much, or as little ongoing support as you want.
To see the real benefits of stopping smoking for you and your baby, read on.
We know, for some people, quitting can be difficult. But it really is worth it, for both you and your baby.
Here are some facts about the risks of smoking while you are pregnant…
Every time you smoke it’s like locking your baby in a smoke filled room, with over 4,000 harmful chemicals. Chemicals which can cause a miscarriage, premature birth and still birth.
Risks to your child can include:
It’s not just your baby, smoking when pregnant is bad for you too. It can make your morning sickness even worse and lead to dangerous complications during pregnancy. It also puts you at greater risk of getting heart disease and some cancers.
The great thing about quitting is that you will feel the benefits from the moment you stop, and that feeling will keep getting better.
Lancashire
0800 328 6297 (free from landlines and mobile phones)
Blackburn with Darwen
01254 682037
Can’t find your area? Visit the NHS website for details about your local stop smoking service.
Your first appointment is your chance to talk about smoking and to decide if and when you’re going to quit. You’ll be able to talk to one of the friendly team and, if you like, you can also take a breath test to see how much poisonous gas is in your body.
If you decide to quit, our stop smoking services are here to help. We can give you a plan to follow, free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to make the cravings easier, and as much support as you need to help you stay smoke free.
We know everyone is different, so we have a range of different options. You can have one-to-one support, join in group sessions, or simply get support by phone or text. It’s up to you.
We have lots of clinics at different venues and times, and can usually arrange evening and home appointments too.
We know that for some people quitting can be hard, so we want to make everything as easy as possible for you.
Some people are unsure about what to expect from our stop smoking services. Here are some of the most common questions, answered.
Not at all. It’s just a friendly one-to-one chat with you and one of our stop smoking advisors.
No not at all! In fact, the sessions have been developed with help from ex-smokers. So we really do understand, and are just here to support you.
No, it’s completely free and we can also give you free prescriptions for NRT. Read more about NRT.
Yes that’s fine, you can book a session anytime. Just call your local stop smoking service.
With our support you’re four times more likely to quit than trying to do it on your own. If you’re determined to quit, we’ll help you succeed.
It will also be easier for you to quit if you get support from your friends and family.
"Smoking will make my baby smaller and the birth easier."
A smaller, weaker baby will not make giving birth easier. In fact, having a small/premature baby can lead to serious complications and you may have to stay in hospital longer.
"If I quit I'll put weight on."
The best way to avoid weight gain is to make sure you eat healthy snacks. Also, you could go out for a walk, instead of a smoke, which will make both you and your baby feel healthier and happier
"Smoking stops me being stressed."
Quitting can be stressful at first, yes. But every time you smoke, it actually puts more stress on your body, and your baby.
"I smoked during my last pregnancy/My mum smoked and I'm ok."
Maybe you were one of the lucky ones. Smoking when pregnant really is dangerous, and is thought to be the cause of 40% of baby deaths.
"I'm three months pregnant already, so it's too late to quit."
It’s never too late. Even stopping in the last few weeks of pregnancy can benefit you and your child. But the sooner you stop, the more your baby will benefit.
"Smoking is my me time."
Quitting is difficult, we know. Why not use the money you save to treat yourself – after your first smoke free day, week and month. At the end of one year you could even save enough for a holiday. See how much you could save with our calculator
"I'll just cut down instead of quitting."
It’s a start, but it won’t protect your baby from the harmful effects and the strain on their heart.
"E-cigs are better - I'll use them instead"
The safety of e-cigarettes has not been tested and they still contain nicotine and harmful toxic effects. So it’s better to quit using licensed medicines.
"I'll use Niche Tobacco instead, like Shisha or Paan"
Shisha smoking is just as harmful to your baby as smoking cigarettes. Even Paan Leaf contains elements that can cause cancer.
NRT stands for Nicotine Replacement Therapy, which normally comes in patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators, nasal sprays, mouth sprays or mouth strips. If you’re struggling with cravings and you’re pregnant, you can get a free prescription for NRT for up to twelve weeks.
NRT is not totally harmless, but it does prevent the baby receiving the 1,000’s of harmful chemicals in cigarettes.
If you decide to quit, we know it can be hard to get your friends and family at home to support your choice. It can also be hard for them to stop smoking around you, but we can help you with that too.
When you’ve decided to start your quit journey our Quit for Us app helps you stay smokefree. There’s lots of hints, tips, and games to help you stay smokefree.
Quit for you. Quit for two. Quit for us.
Download the app today from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Second-hand smoke is just as harmful to you and your baby as smoking yourself. It’s also more dangerous for young children and can lead to bronchitis, asthma, middle ear infections and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death).
Help your partner to quit
If your partner smokes, encouraging them to quit can really help you succeed. And with both of you quitting, you will save even more money.
So, if you’d like to bring your partner along to the stop smoking service too, just mention it to your midwife and we can help you both quit.
A smoke free home
Sometimes people encourage everyone in their family/home to make a pledge to keep the house and car smoke free zones.
If you work with pregnant women in Lancashire and Cumbria and want to support them in their journey to stop smoking, you can find more information and resources at: Lancashire’s Children and Young People’s Trust website