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Smoking-linked Pregnancy-related health problems

More than one in ten new mums at Southend Hospital are known smokers at time of birth

 18 August 2015

Latest statistics show that more than ten per cent of women who gave birth between April and June this year (2015) were known to be smokers at the time of delivery.

NHS Castle Point and Rochford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is raising awareness of the serious health problems that smoking during pregnancy can cause both for the mother and child.

Pregnancy-related health problems linked to smoking during pregnancy can cause: complications during labour and an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, still birth, low birth-weight and sudden unexpected death in infancy*. Smoking during pregnancy also increases the risk of infant mortality by an estimated 40%**.

Children exposed to tobacco smoke in the womb are more likely to experience wheezy illnesses in childhood. In addition, infants of parents who smoke are more likely to suffer from serious respiratory infections (such as bronchitis and pneumonia), symptoms of asthma and problems of the ear, nose and throat (including glue ear). Exposure to smoke in the womb is also associated with psychological problems in childhood such as attention and hyperactivity problems and disruptive and negative behaviour. In addition, it has been suggested that smoking during pregnancy may have a detrimental effect on the child's educational performance***.

Tricia D’Orsi, Chief Nurse for NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG said:

“We remain resolutely committed to tackling smoking and helping people to quit. We understand how daunting and confusing it can be when thinking about quitting smoking, but there are excellent local services that here to help you.


You are four times more likely to successfully quit smoking if you give up with support from the NHS. So don’t be afraid to find out more how local services can help and support you to quit smoking.”


The Stop Smoking Support Service covering the Castle Point and Rochford area are Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE) Community Interest Company.

ACE offer support at various treatment venues including community clinics, participating pharmacies and GP practices. Get in touch for more information on 0800 022 4524, www.acelifestyle.org or text ‘QUIT’ and your postcode to 07860 025327