In the past decade, England has seen a sharp decline in smoking during pregnancy. The rate dropped from 11.7% to 5.9%, thanks to stop smoking advisers placed in NHS maternity services. According to the NHS’s national smoke-free pregnancy scheme, these services have helped thousands of women quit successfully.
Now, that progress is at risk. NHS smoking cuts may reduce or remove the services that helped many expectant mothers quit. Experts warn this could reverse years of improvement. As researchers reported on Bioengineer.org, the loss of funding could affect outcomes for both mothers and infants.
Essential Services Face Cuts
The NHS is facing a £6.6 billion shortfall. As part of a new “financial reset,” many services are being scaled back. These include community support programs, such as smoking cessation for pregnant women.
Professor Caitlin Notley from the University of East Anglia warns that without support, more women may continue to smoke during pregnancy. This could lead to higher risks of premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight.
Support Programs Make a Difference
In 2023, the NHS launched the National Smoke-Free Pregnancy Incentive Scheme. It offers up to £400 in vouchers to women who stay smoke-free during and after pregnancy. The program has helped reduce smoking rates and will continue into 2025/26.
This incentive is part of the wider Tobacco Dependency Programme, which gives consistent help to pregnant women across NHS trusts. More details are available on the NHS pregnancy stop smoking resource.
Calls for Action
Groups like the Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group are urging the government to protect funding for quit-smoking programs. They say the UK has already missed its 2022 target of lowering maternal smoking to 6%. Without action, this goal may not be reached until 2032.
John Waldron from Action on Smoking and Health says cutting these programs could raise long-term health costs. He urges the government to keep its promise and ensure every NHS trust provides smoking support as routine care.
Why NHS Smoking Cuts Matter
Smoking during pregnancy causes serious health risks. These include miscarriage, stillbirth, and lasting harm to the baby’s development. Yet, many women can quit with the right help.
The decline in maternal smoking shows what is possible with smart investment. NHS smoking cuts would risk not only current pregnancies but years of progress in public health.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.
