A Grimsby mum quit smoking after a pregnancy scare at 29 weeks saw her close to having an emergency c-section when she struggled to breathe.
“I’d wanted to stop smoking for ages and tried so many times,” said Charlotte, who gave birth to Teddy in May 2025.
“I was referred to the tobacco dependency treatment team at the hospital in the early stages of my pregnancy, and even though I tried to stop, I struggled to make it stick.
“That was until I had a scare at 29 weeks and was told I may be sent down for an emergency c-section as I was struggling to breathe. That really shocked me, and I haven’t smoked again since.”
She added: “I’m grateful for the support of Leanne and Sophie, the tobacco dependency advisors at the hospital. They were so friendly, never judging me because I smoked and always there and willing to listen.
“I’d honestly recommend anyone to give it a go, I’ve got a healthy baby, I’m healthier and there’s a bit more money in my pocket! I’m planning to stay smokefree now.”
The proportion of women smoking during pregnancy across Humber and North Yorkshire has fallen significantly according to data published by NHS England on the 18 September 2025 Statistics on Women’s Smoking Status at Time of Delivery: England, Q1 2025/26 – NHS England Digital
Smoking at Time of Delivery (SATOD) data shows that 5.3% of pregnant women (170 women) across Humber and North Yorkshire were recorded as smoking between April and June 2025. This is significantly lower than the same period last year, when maternal smoking rates were at 6.9% across the ICB. This equates to 110 fewer women smoking during pregnancy.
This is the lowest rate of smoking during pregnancy recorded in Humber and North Yorkshire since data began to be collected. This also reflects improvement across the Yorkshire and the Humber region, where SATOD rates fell to 5.5% from 7.6% in the same period last year. Nationally, maternal smoking rates are at 4.7% across England.
The drop in maternal smoking rates follows the introduction of a new model of stop smoking support for pregnant women, which began to be rolled out nationally in 2022 of part of the NHS Long Term Plan. This has been further enhanced by the introduction of a national financial incentive scheme from early 2025 to encourage pregnant smokers to quit and remain smokefree throughout pregnancy and beyond.
The National smoke-free pregnancy incentive scheme offers Love2shop vouchers at various points of the pregnancy, when participants have had a carbon monoxide test which proves that they haven’t smoked. The scheme is evidence-based and incentives have been shown to be highly effective in helping people stay engaged with stop smoking support and remain smokefree in the months immediately following delivery, when relapse rates are high.
Charlotte added: “The incentive scheme was great as well – with shopping vouchers awarded at various points of the pregnancy, I was able to treat myself to new shoes and clothes which I wouldn’t have had the money for before as smoking is so expensive.”
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 per 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.
Scott Crosby, Associate Director for the Humber and North Yorkshire Centre for Excellence said:
“It is positive to see the progress that is being made to tackle smoking in pregnancy, as demonstrated by these latest figures. However, there are still one in 20 mums-to-be across Humber and North Yorkshire smoking throughout pregnancy, exposing both themselves and their unborn babies to significant risk. We know that maternal smoking is estimated to cost the NHS around £20 million in year, but it is the human cost which is more tragic. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is currently proceeding through parliament sets out an ambition for a smokefree society, and we must do more to ensure that expert support to quit smoking is available to all pregnant women and that measures are introduced to dissuade more young people from becoming addicted to tobacco.”
Becky Case, Local Maternity and Neonatal System Programme Director for Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said:
“The latest decline in smoking at delivery rates shows the progress that is being made across the maternity system and the wider NHS in terms of supporting smokers to quit. Recently, the NHS Long Term Plan has funded additional tobacco dependence treatment, particularly within maternity services. Everyone wants the best start in life for their unborn baby, and women should know that they can access expert, non-judgmental support from their maternity teams across our region. We are also starting to see that the ongoing rollout of the National Smokefree Pregnancy Incentive Scheme across our area is helping us engage with even more smokers who want to quit and is leading to more smokefree pregnancies.”
Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader at North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, added:
“Quitting smoking during pregnancy is one of the most powerful decisions a mother can make for her baby’s future. The health benefits are immediate and profound – from reducing the risk of miscarriage and birth complications to giving your child a stronger, healthier start in life. By choosing to quit, you’re not only protecting your baby from harmful toxins, but also improving your own wellbeing and creating a smoke-free home for your growing family.”
Ditch the cigarettes with one-to-one support with a wellbeing worker through the free stop smoking service.
As well as free face-to-face expert support from our team, there is Nicotine Replacement Therapy, a free starter vape kit, and the Smokefree app – providing premium free access for six months to North East Lincolnshire residents.
For support to quit, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/stop-smoking to refer yourself or find a drop-in session, call (01472) 325500, Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4pm (except bank holidays) or email [email protected]
The app is available on iOS and Android and can be downloaded via the app store or by visiting getmesmokefree.com. You will be invited to enter your details, including your postcode. Once a qualifying North East Lincolnshire postcode is provided, you can create an account and get started.
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