Report shows drop in smoking for pregnant women in Shropshire
New figures published this week show a steep fall in the in the number of pregnant women who smoke in Shropshire.
The figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) revealed that smoking in pregnancy has fallen in Shropshire to 12.5%, its lowest ever recorded level.
Smoking is the single biggest risk to a healthy pregnancy. Stopping smoking is one of the most important steps that a pregnant woman can take to protect her health, and the growth and development of her unborn child.
Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:
“Smoking is very addictive and harmful and we want to improve the health of pregnant women and their babies. Smoking in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and cot death.
“It’s really encouraging to see a reduction in the number of pregnant women who smoke in Shropshire. This reflects the dedication of our local Help2Quit Service and maternity teams, who are doing excellent work in supporting mums to go smokefree.
“We recognise that stopping smoking is not an easy thing to do, but the sooner you stop the better. Quitting will benefit both you and your baby.”
Help2Quit provides a dedicated service for pregnant women, their partners, family and friends. Help2Quit is one of a range of support services available through ip&e’s new Help2Change team.
Claire Sweeney, Help2Change pregnancy lead, added:-
“Stopping smoking is one of the best things a woman and her partner can do to protect the health of their baby through pregnancy and beyond. Specialist Pregnancy Help2Quit advisers are available to discuss with pregnant women how they feel about quitting and to support them to put their plan to quit into action.”
The Pregnancy Help2Quit service is available in GP surgeries, pharmacies, community venues and in people’s own homes.
More information is available by calling 0345 678 9025 (Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm) or visiting www.healthyshropshire.co.uk.
Further information
Statistics on Women’s Smoking Status at Time of Delivery report: the full report can be seen at www.hscic.gov.uk/pubs/wsstdapr14mar15.
