Pregnancy
Quitting smoking is one of the single best steps you can take for your own health and your baby’s development.
Get help to quit today
Speak to a Specialist Stop Smoking Midwife
In Sheffield, we have a dedicated team of specialist Stop Smoking Midwives who help over 150 families every year break free from tobacco. They provide gentle, confidential 1-on-1 coaching, free nicotine replacement options, and ongoing encouragement.
Call the Sheffield Maternity Support Team directly
0114 226 5627General Service Text Line
Text YSF to 80800 for a free call back
Stopping Smoking in Pregnancy
No matter where you are in your pregnancy, whether you have just taken a pregnancy test, are well into your second trimester, or are close to your due date, it is never too late to stop. The moment you quit, both you and your baby will feel the immediate benefits.
You do not have to do this alone. Our specialist teams provide completely free, friendly, and non-judgemental support tailored around your life and pregnancy.
How Quitting Helps You and Your Baby
When you smoke, toxic gases like carbon monoxide enter your bloodstream, replacing vital oxygen that your baby needs to grow. Stopping smoking turns this around immediately.
Benefits for Your Baby
- More Oxygen & Nutrients: Your placenta works much more effectively, delivering a steady flow of clean oxygen and essential nutrients to your baby.
- Stronger Development: Your baby’s organs, lungs, and heart develop under healthier conditions, lowering the risk of birth defects.
- Safer Growth: Reduces the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Benefits for You
- Lowered Blood Pressure: Your heart rate and blood pressure return to healthy levels.
- Better Breathing: Increased lung capacity makes walking, daily activities and carrying your baby easier, helping you feel more energetic.
- Lower Stress Levels: Breaking free from daily nicotine withdrawal reduces overall anxiety, leading to a calmer, healthier pregnancy.
Your Pregnancy Recovery Timeline
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In Just 24 Hours
Carbon monoxide is completely eliminated from your body. Your blood oxygen levels return to normal, and your baby immediately gets the full oxygen and nutrients they need.
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In 1 Week
Cravings begin to settle. Your blood pressure stabilises, your heart rate slows down, and your body starts feeling more relaxed.
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2 to 12 Weeks
Blood circulation throughout your body improves significantly. Your immune system gets a boost, helping protect both you and your baby from everyday infections.
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In a Few Months
Your lung capacity improves, making breathing noticeably easier and giving you more physical stamina for labour and birth.
Common Questions and Myth-Busting
Is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Licensed NRT products (such as patches, gum, mouth sprays, or lozenges) are recommended by the NHS during pregnancy. They provide your body with clean nicotine to manage cravings without delivering any of the poisonous carbon monoxide or toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
Can I use a vape or e-cigarette while pregnant?
NRT products like patches or gum are the recommended first option during pregnancy. However, if using a vape helps you stay completely off cigarettes, it is significantly safer for both you and your baby than continuing to smoke tobacco. Speak to your stop-smoking midwife for friendly, non-judgemental advice.
Why do I need to do a Carbon Monoxide (CO) breath test?
A CO test is a simple, harmless breath check performed by your midwife. It measures the amount of poisonous carbon monoxide in your lungs. It is not a test to judge you; it is a routine check to ensure your body is delivering clean oxygen to your baby.
I have cut down on cigarettes. Isn’t that enough?
Cutting down is a great first step, but there is no safe level of tobacco smoke for a developing baby. Completely stopping gives your baby 100% smoke-free protection and ensures carbon monoxide stops entering your bloodstream.
What if my partner or family members still smoke?
Being around secondhand smoke exposes you and your unborn baby to over 4,000 dangerous chemicals in tobacco smoke. Creating a completely smoke-free home is crucial. Our local services offer free support for partners and family members too, so you can all quit together. Read more about creating a smokefree family home.
Ready to take the first step?
For Sarah, her decision was about more than just her own health; it was about protecting her son.
I knew smoking in the flat was affecting my son, and I wanted to change that
Read Sarah’s Quit Story