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Having a baby is one of the biggest milestones in many people’s lives.

If you smoke, stopping smoking is one of the best things that you - and your partner - can do to give your baby the best possible start in life.

Live Life Better Derbyshire will offer non-judgemental, confidential and supportive help for mums-to-be, friends and family members who want to stop smoking.

To find out more call Live Life Better Derbyshire on tel: 0800 0852299.

Benefits of stopping smoking

Stopping smoking will help both you and your baby straight away. When you stop smoking:

  • you will cut down on the risk of complications in pregnancy and birth
  • you are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby
  • you will reduce the risk of stillbirth
  • your baby is less likely to be born too early and have to face the additional breathing, feeding and health problems that often go with being premature
  • your baby is less likely to be born underweight
  • you will reduce the risk of cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome

There’s quite a few myths about smoking in pregnancy - here we bust a few of them.

Myth: It is easier to give birth to a smaller baby

Fact: This usually not the case as the baby often still has the same sized head. However a smaller baby frequently means a weaker baby which could lead to complications and a stressful delivery.

Myth The odd cigarette doesn’t hurt

Fact: Every cigarette causes damage to both you and your baby. There are over 4,000 chemicals in every puff.

Myth: The stress of stopping smoking is worse for the baby than mum continuing to smoke

Fact: Smoking is far more damaging to you and your baby’s health than any stress that comes from quitting.

Find out more about the benefits of stopping smoking during pregnancy.

NHS SmokeFree also has lots of help and advice for parents to be.

There’s informative videos and articles on smoking in pregnancy on Tommy’s website too.