The effects of smoking whilst pregnant and how to get support to stop smoking.
Smoking in pregnancy is harmful to your baby. By quitting smoking, you can protect your baby's health during pregnancy and after they're born.
Cigarettes release over 7,000 chemicals when burnt. These chemicals harm your baby by reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients they receive from the placenta.
Smoking while pregnant increases the risk of:
- miscarriage
- premature birth
- low birthweight or small baby
- stillbirth
- birth defects
| Impact | Maternal smoking | Secondhand smoking |
|---|---|---|
| Low birth weight | 2 times more likely | Average 30 to 40g lighter |
| Heart defects | 25% more likely | Increased risk |
| Stillbirth | 47% more likely | Possible increase |
| Preterm birth | 27% more likely | Possible increase |
| Miscarriage | 32% more likely | Increased risk |
| Sudden infant death | 3 times more likely | 45% more likely |
Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy carries much of the same risks. This is why it's important for your partner to stop smoking too.
This may be hard to read if you're a smoker, but support is available. If you or your partner want expert help, refer yourself to our stop smoking service.
For more information, visit stop smoking in pregnancy (NHS).