Health team's drive sees fall in number of pregnant smokers

WORK to cut down on smoking in pregnancy has seen one North East hospital trust almost halve the practice in just four years. And one Tyneside woman told of how vital NHS staff had been in helping her ditch a “heavy” smoking habit in time to welcome her soon-to-be-born baby.

- By SAM VOLPE

Pregnant Lillie with "best start in life" advisor Emily

Each year, according to Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust figures, there are 153 fewer pregnant women a year smoking at the time of giving birth across Northumberland and North Tyneside. The rate of smoking in pregnancy has fallen from 8.9% in 2020/2021 to 4.7% in 2024/2025.

Lillie, 19, from North Tyneside is pregnant and has been meeting with her “best start in life” adviser Emily for several months now as she quits smoking. She said: “The appointments also helped me keep on track with quitting smoking since I was such a heavy user.