By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 13:36, Wednesday, 13 June 2012

New figures show the number of pregnant women in Cumbria still smoking when they have their baby is above the national average.

Su Sear

A national study reveals that 15.3 per cent of new mums in the county are still smokers, when nationally the figure is just over 13 per cent.

Health experts in Cumbria are warning that these women are risking the health of their unborn children.

However, they say that the good news is the figures in the county are gradually decreasing – falling from an estimated 18 per cent in 2010.

Research shows babies born to mothers who smoke are around 40 per cent more likely to be stillborn or to die within the first four weeks of life.

Su Sear, a public health partnership specialist for NHS Cumbria, said: “It’s important that we get the message out to pregnant women who are thinking about quitting that free help and support is available through the NHS. We want to reassure them that it’s easy to get help to quit and that they are more likely to succeed with support.

“Babies born to mothers who smoke are around 40 per cent more likely to be stillborn or to die within the first four weeks of life and it is an important issue that Tobacco Free Futures is addressing,” added Su.

“This report enables us to see how many women class themselves as a smoker at the time they give birth.”

She added that the Government’s Tobacco Control Plan aims to reduce rates of smoking in pregnancy to 11 per cent or less by the end of 2015.

For more information or advice about quitting, contact NHS Cumbria’s Stop Smoking Service on 01900 324222, text QUIT to 82540 or speak to your GP or pharmacy.

First published at 11:25, Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk