The NHS Stop Smoking initiative this week launched a new campaign to help pregnant women quit the habit.The campaign will target 100,000 pregnant smokers.
It is based around NHS research which has found social stigma is a major factor in preventing pregnant smokers seeking help to quit.
According to a statement on the Royal College of Midwives' website, over a quarter of 224 pregnant smokers surveyed in England said they would like to seek support to stop, but were worried about being judged. A further third (38%) said they sometimes hide their smoking as they were concerned about people criticising them and 39% said they were ashamed to admit they smoked to their midwife or healthcare professional.
An NHS specialist midwife adviser in smoking in pregnancy Lisa Fendall said: ‘We’re making sure they see there is plenty of help on offer, from pregnancy focused one-to-one or group support sessions at their local NHS Stop Smoking Service or the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline giving friendly advice and support – we work together to find the best solution for them.’
Midwives have been provided with information and new tools, including a new DVD, to aid expectant mothers to stop smoking. It will stress how harmful smoking is to them and their baby, showing how every cigarette smoked restricts the oxygen supply to an unborn baby.
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