Every cigarette contains 4,000 chemicals which can have negative affects during pregnancy and after birth…
We have been successfully supporting women in pregnancy like you who smoke or who have cut down
We tailor the support to you and your needs and can recommend and prescribe medication such as patches, nicotine gum, lozenge, inhalator or mouth spray, if you wish to use them, which are much safer for your baby than smoking or reducing the amount you smoke.
We work closely in partnership with your midwife who will test you for carbon monoxide. If you smoke or your carbon monoxide reading is above 3ppm you will be referred to us for support. You can also self-refer yourself to our service at any time.
We can also provide you with the latest information on safety of vapes/electronic cigarettes in pregnancy.
We are friendly, supportive and do not judge
If you have any questions or would like to find out more information about our Stop Smoking service, call us on 0300 303 9988 or email us on provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net.
FAQs
“I have cut down, surely that’s better?”
There is no safe level of smoking, cutting down doesn’t offer any significant health advantages.
You will becomes more efficient at smoking reduced number of cigarettes, often inhaling the same amount of tar and carbon monoxide.
“How did other mums succeed at quitting smoking?”
To find short films about smoking in pregnancy, including the success stories, please visit the Safer Pregnancy website.
“I have changed my mind, I want to stop now, is it too late?”
It is never too late! You can contact us at any time during your pregnancy and we will be more than happy to support you.
“What medication can I use in pregnancy to help me stop?”
“Is nicotine harmful for my baby?”
“I have tried everything and nothing works…”
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as patches, nicotine gum, lozenge or inhalator are licenced for use in pregnancy and during breast feeding.
You can use NRT during pregnancy if it will help you stop smoking, and you’re unable to stop without it.
Nicotine contained in cigarettes is not particularly harmful, but it is highly addictive (it is the tar and carbon monoxide that cause most of the health problems).
The NRT medications provide clean nicotine, without the harmful components such as tar and carbon monoxide, to help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms, so it is a much better option than continuing to smoke.
A stop smoking advisor will be able to advise on the most effective medication, should you wish to use it, and provide behavioural support to address your habits.
Vapes/e-cigarettes in pregnancy: Electronic cigarettes are not completely risk free, however based on the current evidence they carry a fraction of the risk of smoking.We can’t supply e-cigarettes, but our stop smoking service can certainly offer the extra support that will help you if you buy your own e-cig.
“Do you have any rules about smoking in your home, do these rules aver change?”
On the Lyllaby Trust site you can find ‘HOW TO SLEEP YOUR BABY MORE SAFELY!’ which includes advice on stopping smoking and risks around smoking after birth.
Carbon monoxide
Everyone worries about a faulty boiler at home, right? That is because it can release a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide. Why do we talk about it here?
Carbon monoxide can be found in faulty boilers but also in a cigarette smoke.
If you live in Essex, your midwife will test your carbon monoxide levels at your booking appointment. This is not unusual it is part of a routine care.
Our stop smoking team can help you stop smoking, identify other sources of carbon monoxide around you or help you make your home or car smoke free.
We can support you alone or with your partner, or anyone who is helping you during your pregnancy.
“What should be my carbon monoxide reading?”
Your CO reading should not be higher than 3 ppm.
If your reading is higher than 3 and you are not a smoker, you might have beeen exposed to other sources of carbon monoxide at home or at work, such as faulty home appliances (Gas Safety Advice Line number 0800 300 363), second hand smoke or paint strippers.
A few facts
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life.
Did you know that smoking during pregnancy can cause:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Premature Birth
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Birth Defects
- Low birth weight and Sudden infant death syndrome or cot death
How does smoking in pregnancy affect my child?
The long term effects on your baby are significant and could lead to:
- Asthma
- Chest and ear infections
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Psychological problems in childhood such as attention and hyperactivity issues and bad behaviour
- Bad performance at school