The number of pregnant women in East Lancashire who were classed as smokers when they gave birth has fallen. 

NHS Digital figures show there were 140 pregnant women who were known to be smokers at the time of delivery in East Lancashire in the three months to September 2023

This was equivalent to around 10 per cent of all 1,471 mothers registered in the area – down from around 12 per cent during the same period in 2022-23.

Maternal smoking rates across the country fell from 9.1 per cent in the three months to September 2022-23, to 7.5 per cent in the same period of 2023-24.

However, it meant the national target of six percent was missed yet again, with Action on Smoking and Health saying the government is not on track to hit it until around 2032.

Out of the 106 sub-integrated care boards in England, 22 met the national target of six per cent or fewer pregnant smokers – more than the year before, when there were only nine.

Deputy chief executive at Action on Smoking and Health, Hazel Cheeseman, said: “Smoking rates during pregnancy have fallen over the last decade, although nationally we are not on track to hit the Government’s six per cent ambition until around 2032, a decade later than hoped for.

“Maternal smoking increases the risk of poor birth outcomes, including still birth, miscarriage and birth defects, so it's vital that every pregnant woman is offered support to quit smoking.”

There were some regional disparities, with the highest maternal smoking rate (10.1 per cent) in the North East and Yorkshire, while the lowest was in London – 3.8 per cent. The figure stood at 8.5 per vent in the North West.

Ms Cheeseman added: “Progress has improved over the last year coinciding with the roll out of new dedicated stop smoking support in maternity services.

“A new national financial incentive scheme for pregnant smokers and their partners due to be rolled out this year should further accelerate progress.

“However, more needs to be done to tackle the significant disparities in maternal smoking rates between different parts of the country and to address high rates of women relapsing to smoking postnatally.”

Cllr Damian Talbot, executive member for public health, prevention and wellbeing, said: “This drop of over four per cent of expectant mothers smoking is really encouraging, and it a real shift in the right direction.

"At Blackburn with Darwen Public Health we work really hard with our partners to help as many people as possible quit smoking for good, and this is especially important for pregnant women.

“We continue to work hard to address this issue through our stop smoking service run with community pharmacies, along with midwives throughout the area.

"Reducing smoking in pregnancy rates is a key target for us and we are determined to continue this downward trend.

“There are very significant risks to the health of both mother and unborn baby if smoking is carried on during pregnancy, so it is important that we do all we can to support a successful quit.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “I am committed to supporting pregnant women to stop smoking and welcome these latest statistics which show a drop in the proportion of women smoking at time of delivery.

“We have committed to offering all pregnant women who smoke financial incentives in the form of vouchers alongside behavioural support by the end of 2024 to help even more expectant mums kick the habit.

“In October this government set out plans to introduce legislation to prohibit children born on or after January 1, 2009, from legally buying cigarettes in England as part of our smokefree 2030 ambition for England.”

Dr Lindsey Dickinson, associate medical director at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), which organises healthcare services in the region, said: “There are a number of risks associated with smoking in pregnancy, and it is always the advice of the NHS to quit to give your baby the best chance of a healthy start in life.

“By stopping smoking you will reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy and birth, your baby is less likely to be born too early, and it reduces the risk of a stillbirth.

“It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it is never too late to quit. There is plenty of information on the 'Stop smoking in pregnancy' page on the NHS website, and a number of useful resources to help you quit on our Better Health website.”

County Councillor Michael Green, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Here in Lancashire, our Health and Wellbeing Board is constantly working to reduce smoking rates and promote healthier lifestyles across Lancashire.

"We are working with partners on initiatives to encourage as many people as possible to stop smoking, including expectant mothers, to provide essential resources to help individuals kick the habit for good.

"We acknowledge that smoking remains a significant public health concern for Lancashire. With this in mind, we remain determined to continue to drive smoking rates downwards to enable people to live happier, healthier and wealthier lives in Lancashire."

If you or someone you know needs support or information about stopping smoking in Lancashire, you can visit Smokefree Lancashire or call them on 0808 196 2638.