Number of women smoking during pregnancy in North East Lincolnshire at an all-time low

The proportion of women across North East Lincolnshire smoking during pregnancy has fallen significantly over the last 12 months.

NHS England has published the latest figures on smoking at the time of delivery (SATOD) and they show significant improvements across the borough.

In North East Lincolnshire, 7.1% of women were recorded as smoking at the time of delivery in 2025/26, compared with 11% in the previous year. This represents a reduction of almost two-thirds over the past five years, with rates falling from 20.3% in 2021/22 to 7.1% in 2025/26.

While North East Lincolnshire remains above the national rate of 4.2% in 2025/26 (down from 6.1% the previous year), figures demonstrate the significant progress that has been made locally.

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.

Ask your midwife to refer you to your local Tobacco Dependency Team for quit support and a chance to be part of a national scheme, which offers financial incentives in the form of Love2shop shopping vouchers, to those who successfully stop smoking during pregnancy and postpartum.

As well as the hospital’s stop smoking advisers that specifically support pregnant smokers, the council also has a stop smoking service that offers free, friendly, and effective help to guide you on your journey to becoming smokefree. Refer your partner, friend or family member to create a smokefree home for your baby. Visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/stop-smoking or call 01472 325500.