FIGURES show that the proportion of pregnant smokers across Worcestershire has dropped to 9 per cent.
Last year witnessed the most substantial year-on-year reduction in pregnant smokers across Worcestershire in seven years.
This drop rates comes after the introduction of a stop smoking in pregnancy service in Worcestershire which involves the public health team and local midwives working together to help pregnant women quit smoking.
Coun Karen May, cabinet member with responsibility for health and well-being at Worcestershire county council, said: “It’s great to see these smoking rates fall.
“The Public Health team at the County Council and NHS colleagues work incredibly hard to help people quit.
“We need to keep working to reduce the smoking rates further.
“Quitting smoking is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and for the ongoing of health of both mothers and children.”
New public health midwives have been hired to run the pregnancy stop smoking service and they use different methods to help pregnant women quit smoking and stay healthy during pregnancy.
The service offers personalised one-to-one support and free nicotine replacement therapy to pregnant women and their families.
One mum who recently benefitted from the service said: “The support I had was great.
“I had a check-up around every other week and was always in contact if I ever needed anything in between appointments.”
“The certificates I was provided with was a lovely touch and a reminder of how far I have come, not only for myself but also for my little boy as well.”
Email [email protected] if you need help to quit smoking.
