The proportion of women across North East Lincolnshire smoking during pregnancy has fallen significantly over the last 12 months, according to data published by NHS England this month.
In North East Lincolnshire, Smoking at Time of Delivery (SATOD) data revealed in June 2025 shows that 11% of pregnant women (158 women) were recorded as smoking in 2024/25. This is 2.2% lower than the previous year, when maternal smoking rates were 13.2%. This equates to 36 fewer women smoking compared to last year.
This is the lowest rate of smoking during pregnancy recorded in Humber and North Yorkshire since data started being collected. This also reflects improvement across England as a whole, where SATOD rates fell to 6.1% from 7.4% last year.
Declines in maternal smoking rates have accelerated rapidly since the introduction of dedicated stop smoking advisers in maternity services in 2020 through the NHS Long Term Plan. This progress is testament to the work of maternity professionals who have gone above and beyond to support pregnant women to quit.
Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of harm to both mother and baby. It increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and sudden infant death.
Children born to parents who smoke are also more likely to experience respiratory illness, learning difficulties, and diabetes, and are more likely to grow up to be smokers when compared to children born into smokefree households.
As well as the health harms caused by smoking during pregnancy, it also adds to the cost of living and pushes families further into poverty. The average smoker spends £3,000 a year on tobacco, with younger women from the most deprived areas being the most likely to smoke and be exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy.
Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said: “Quitting smoking during pregnancy is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your health and give your baby the best possible start in life. Every cigarette contains harmful chemicals that reduce the oxygen your baby needs to grow and thrive. But the good news is, it’s never too late to quit.
“You’re not alone. Support is available. Talk to your midwife, GP, or the council’s free stop smoking service. You’re doing this for two, and every step you take matters.”
He added: “Around 12.3k children in North East Lincolnshire live in smoking households, and each year, around 430 of them will start smoking. We must support our young people to choose a healthier life. The household they live in is a significant contributing factor to whether a young person will pick up a cigarette, so I urge people to get help and choose to quit today.”
Pregnant women who enrol onto the scheme following their first midwife ‘booking’ appointment will be able to access incentives (in the form of Love2shop vouchers) over the course of their pregnancy and following delivery of their child, providing they continue to attend regular stop smoking appointments with the hospital stop smoking team and are verified as smokefree (CO level <4 ppm). The maximum value of vouchers for those who remain smoke-free throughout pregnancy and post-partum is £400. North East Lincolnshire Council’s wellbeing service also offer free stop smoking support.
Upon booking, every midwife should discuss the scheme with the pregnant woman as they will identify at this point who smokes and refer them to the hospital stop smoking advisors for support. Please ask your midwife for more information if you wish to be part of this scheme.
The scheme is expanding to include the option of inviting new participating pregnant smokers to nominate a friend or family member who will quit smoking with them and support them to remain smokefree. These ‘significant others’ can be offered support or referred to local stop smoking services, as well as benefit from vouchers too. This aspect is yet to launch.
For one local couple, the incentives have been key in helping them stay smokefree and provide essentials for their growing family: “The shopping vouchers have been a great bonus – that’s in addition to all the money you save from not buying tobacco. I’ve treated myself to a nice coat and we’ve been able to keep the freezer well stocked for the family – it’s been a huge help.”
Another local woman commented: “It wasn’t easy quitting, especially as people I knew still smoked. However, with my maternity support worker’s help, I got through the tough times, and I’ve now been smokefree for nearly two years. The vouchers were a nice extra. I bought nappies for the baby and then at the end, I was able to buy something nice for myself. Quitting gave me a healthy baby and it’s great to know that I am giving us both a healthier future. I feel much better since quitting, and I’m so happy that my house is now smoke-free.”
As well as the hospital’s smoking advisors, the council also has a wellbeing service that offers free, friendly, and effective help to guide you on your journey to becoming smokefree. You can refer yourself by visiting www.nelincs.gov.uk/stop-smoking or by calling 01472 325500.
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