Smokefree Island

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Congratulations,
you have a baby
on the way!

Smokefree Island understands how quitting smoking whilst pregnant can be difficult.

Our free specialist support can make it easier.

​Self-refer today

How we can help

With so many ways to quit smoking, we’ll work with you and your midwife to find what works best for you.

We have helped many pregnant women to stop smoking with our range of free products including nicotine patches, chewing gum, lozenges or a vape starter kit. Our specialist advisors can support you in many ways such as telephone, online or face to face to make it easier for you (and your loved ones) to quit for good.

How smoking affects you and your baby

*Kindly click on each interactive point to explore the complete range of effects.

When you smoke, more than 4000 chemicals are absorbed into your bloodstream, including ammonia (found in toilet cleaner), arsenic (a poison) and carbon monoxide.

Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to your baby, which can cause restricted growth and development, premature birth, and result in a lower birth weight. These factors can lead to a weaker baby and a more challenging birth.

Your baby is more likely to be born with low birth weight if you smoke. Smaller babies can face difficulties during and after birth. For example, they are more likely to have problems with keeping warm and are more likely to get infections.

Pregnant woman infographic image

The placenta is vital for baby’s wellbeing. Smoking raises the chances of bleeding, placental abruption (placenta detaches/peels away), and placenta praevia (placenta blocks the womb entrance).

If you smoke during pregnancy, you’re 5 times more likely to get eclampsia. A major reason why women in the UK die during childbirth.

Breathing in cigarette smoke damages lungs and makes breathing more difficult.

Smoking while you’re pregnant raises the chances of your baby being stillborn or experiencing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Smoking can restrict the essential oxygen supply to your baby. As a result, their heart must beat harder to receive oxygen around their body.

Myth busters