Smoking in pregnancy continues to fall in North East Lincolnshire

Smoking in pregnancy figures continue to fall across North East Lincolnshire.

In North East Lincolnshire, Smoking at Time of Delivery (SATOD) data showed 7.9 per cent of pregnant women were known to be smokers at the time of delivery (representing 25 women) between 1 July to 30 September 2025. This is a significant reduction compared to the timeframe in 2024, where the rate was 11.8 per cent (representing 30 women).

“This represents some of the strongest improvements seen in recent years, making a real difference to the health of women and babies in our communities” said Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader at North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care.

“This is a significant achievement, helping to reduce smoking-related complications for mothers and babies, lowering the risk of illness and long-term health impacts for children, and giving them the best possible start in life.”

Laura Colby, Public Health Manager for Tobacco Control for North and North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “This encouraging data reflects the strength of partnership working, a shared commitment to saving babies’ lives, and the delivery of intensive stop smoking support for families, all of which are improving outcomes for women, babies, and families across North and North East Lincolnshire.”

Local mum Charlotte who gave birth to Teddy in May 2025 quit smoking after a pregnancy scare at 29 weeks saw her close to having an emergency c-section when she struggled to breathe. Read more about her story here: Grimsby mum quits smoking following pregnancy scare as rates of smoking in pregnancy fall sharply across region | NELC

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 into further financial difficulty. 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.

As well as the hospital’s stop smoking advisers, the council also has a wellbeing 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 by calling 01472 325500.

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 shopping vouchers up to £400 to those who successfully stop smoking during pregnancy and post-partum.