- The National Smokefree Helpline offers free help, support, and advice on stopping smoking and can give you details of local support services. You can call them at 0300 123 1044. They are available 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
- This leaflet contains more information on carbon monoxide testing and why it is important. It is also available in multiple languages here.
- Household appliances can also leak carbon monoxide. Please click here for more information on symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do if you think your appliances are spilling carbon monoxide.
Smoking in Pregnancy
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life. It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it's never too late to quit.
Benefits of stopping smoking
Stopping smoking will help both you and your baby immediately. When you stop smoking:
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You are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby
- You will reduce the risk of stillbirth or premature birth
- Your baby is less likely to be born with a low birth weight, which can cause problems during and after labour. For example, they are more likely to have problems keeping warm and are more likely to get infections
- You will reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as "cot death"
For more information, please watch this video about the effects of smoking on your baby.
The sooner you stop smoking, the better. However, stopping at any time in pregnancy or after birth will benefit you and your baby, as secondhand smoke also harms your baby.
What to expect from your Midwife
At your booking appointment, your midwife will ask if you are a current smoker and test the levels of carbon monoxide in your lungs. The test will be repeated at 36 weeks. The test is painless and gives an immediate result. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which reduces your oxygen levels and is inhaled when smoking tobacco.
If your carbon monoxide levels are high or you are a current smoker, your midwife will test your carbon monoxide at every appointment. They will refer you to our Maternity Tobacco Dependency Service who will support you to reduce the harmful effects of smoking. You may opt out of this referral if you wish.
What support is available?
Referral to our advisor
You are three times as likely to successfully stop smoking with support from a trained adviser. Our Maternity Tobacco Dependency Service supports people to quit smoking during pregnancy.
You are three times as likely to successfully stop smoking with support from a trained adviser. Our Maternity Tobacco Dependency Service supports people to quit smoking during pregnancy.
We offer support on a 1:1 basis, to help you make a change throughout your pregnancy. We can provide Nicotine Replacement therapy and specialist behavioural change intervention.
The service is based at the Whittington Hospital, within Maternity Services.
Your midwife, your obstetrician and any of the teams work as part of your antenatal care can refer you to the Maternity Tobacco Dependency Service. This will improve the chances of a good outcome for you and your baby. Click here for more information.
Alternatives
Nicotine replacement
Nicotine is what makes tobacco addictive, but is relatively harmless on its own. Nicotine replacement provides you with a safe level of nicotine, treats withdrawal symptoms and prevents cravings.
Nicotine is what makes tobacco addictive, but is relatively harmless on its own. Nicotine replacement provides you with a safe level of nicotine, treats withdrawal symptoms and prevents cravings.
E-cigarettes
If using an e-cigarette helps you to stop smoking, it is much safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke. E-cigarettes are much less risky than smoking because they do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, which are the 2 main toxins in cigarette smoke. However, e-cigarettes are new and there are still some things we do not know.
Helpful Resources
Last updated27 Mar 2025