Smoking during pregnancy is a significant public health concern, posing serious health risks to both mother and baby. However, new data from NHS Digital reveals a cause for celebration – smoking rates among pregnant women in the UK have hit a record low!
The latest figures show a substantial drop from 8.8% of pregnant women smoking in 2022/23 to just 7.3% in 2023/24. This marks the biggest single-year decline since data collection began in 2006. Experts attribute this positive trend to sustained investments in providing better support for pregnant women who smoke to quit the habit.
Evidence-Based Support Shows Effectiveness
The Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group, a coalition advocating for enhanced support systems, hails this decrease as a testament to the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions. Their manifesto outlines Labour’s commitment to further develop this program and integrate quitting support into all hospital services. This move aligns with existing data demonstrating that well-funded support schemes can significantly reduce smoking rates amongst pregnant women.
John Waldron, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), who coordinates the Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “Following a period of stagnation, we are witnessing remarkable reductions in maternal smoking rates. Targeted interventions and readily available support services are proving highly effective. Integrating smoking cessation into routine prenatal care demonstrates the positive impact achievable for expecting mothers who smoke. We welcome Labour’s manifesto commitment to embedding this approach more extensively across hospital care.”
The decline translates to over 6,000 fewer women smoking during pregnancy, safeguarding countless babies from the associated health risks. Clare Livingstone, Professional Policy Advisor with the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), echoed these sentiments: “We are thrilled to witness these record-breaking drops in smoking rates among pregnant women. This achievement is a significant milestone in safeguarding the health of both mothers and babies. Integrating smoking cessation support into routine care not only protects the current generation’s health but also lays a strong foundation for the future. The collaborative efforts of midwives, healthcare professionals, and the wider community are demonstrably making a difference. We remain committed to continuing this vital work to ensure even greater reductions in smoking rates amongst expectant mothers.”
Financial Incentives Planned for Further Decrease
Further progress appears imminent with the planned launch of a new financial incentive scheme specifically designed to support pregnant women who choose to quit smoking. This initiative has the potential to drive smoking rates even lower. Professor Linda Bauld, Director of the SPECTRUM Research Consortium and Co-Chair of the Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group, highlighted the scheme’s pioneering nature: “The planned introduction of financial incentives for pregnant women is a groundbreaking measure that will propel us further towards significantly reducing smoking rates during pregnancy. This initiative offers crucial support for expectant mothers, empowering them to make healthier choices that benefit both themselves and their babies.”
Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands and Co-Chair of the Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group, urged the incoming government to prioritise the long-term sustainability of the financial incentives scheme: “We urge the incoming UK government to commit to upholding the financial incentives scheme. This program has the potential to leave a profound and lasting positive impact on maternal and infant health. Continued investment in such evidence-based interventions is essential for safeguarding the health of future generations and ensuring the well-being of families.”
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