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Smoking in pregnancy

broken cigarette

Many women find it difficult to stop smoking, and we recognise just how challenging this can be, but it is one of the most important things you can do to improve your baby’s health, growth and development. It is also the single most important thing that you can do to improve your own long-term health.

Help Me Quit for Baby Service

Here in Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, we are dedicated to supporting you to maximise the health and wellbeing of you, your baby and your family through the Help Me Quit for Baby Service.

We have dedicated FREE NHS support and treatment provided by one of our fully trained Maternity Support Workers, in your own home or a clinic area near you!

Please ask your midwife for more information about the Help Me Quit for Baby Service or call your maternity support worker:

Rhondda and Taff: 07900 915235

Cynon and Merthyr: 07977 800372

Bridgend: 07786 173770

Why is smoking in pregnancy harmful to me and my baby?

Just as smoking is bad for you, babies in the womb can be harmed by tobacco smoke because it reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that pass through the placenta from you to your baby.

 

Why Quit Smoking?

There are over 4,000 chemicals in cigarettes. Many of these are poisonous and harm you and your unborn baby. The good news is that if you stop smoking:

• Your baby will benefit straight away

• You are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby

• You will reduce the risk of stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (cot death)

• Your baby is less likely to be born early

• Your baby is more likely to be born at a healthy weight and be fully developed

• Your child will have a lower risk of ADHD

• You won’t have to leave your newborn alone while you smoke

 

When should I quit?

Stopping smoking early in your pregnancy gives your baby the best start. However, it is never too late to quit. Help Me Quit for Baby can support you at every stage of your pregnancy and after you give birth.

What is Carbon Monoxide monitoring?

Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous and odourless gas that is breathed in through tobacco smoke. It takes the place of oxygen that the baby needs to develop. Carbon Monoxide levels are measured as part of routine maternity care. You will be asked to breathe into a cardboard tube attached to a hand-held monitor.

Can my family and friends join in?

The people living with you at home and who you see regularly have an important role in supporting your smoke free journey. It will be easier for you to stop smoking and stay smoke free with their help. Here are some things they could do to support you:

• Quit smoking at the same time as you

• Make your home smoke free by only smoking outside and away from you

• Help to create new healthy habits, like going for a walk together

Free NHS stop smoking support is available from Help Me Quit for your family and friends. Call 0800 085 2219 or visit www.helpmequit.wales to access support to quit.

What about vaping or e-cigarettes?

The Help Me Quit for Baby service can support people who would like to stop vaping or using e-cigarettes

Supporting Documents

Public

Help Me Quit for Baby - A5 Leaflet

Help Me Quit for Baby - A3 Poster

Professional

Help Me Quit for Baby - Maternity Leaflet

Help Me Quit for Baby - Nicotine Dependancy Assessment

Help Me Quit for Baby - Behaviour Change Sheet

Help Me Quit for Baby - Midwife Poster

 

Stopping smoking reduces all the risks described above.

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