Shock Scarborough figures: one in five new mothers smoked during pregnancy
This has led to the group, working closely with midwives at the hospital and the local stop smoking service, to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the potentially life-threatening consequences that smoking can have on their unborn child, along with the range of support available to help them quit.
Dr Peter Billingsley, local GP and lead for the campaign, said: “The harsh truth is that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of infant mortality by an estimated 40 per cent. Not only can it increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and still birth, but also lead to sudden unexpected death in infancy.
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Hide Ad“By stopping smoking, not only will you reduce the risk of complications during birth, but also improve the health of your baby once it is born.”
To find out more go to www.smokefreelifenorthyorkshire.co.uk - alternatively you can call 0800 2465215 or text QUIT to 66777. Or email [email protected]