NEW research has found that nearly 20 per cent of pregnant women in North Wales smoked at initial assessment in 2021.

A study by Ash Wales found that 12 per cent of pregnant women in Wales smoke through their pregnancy, with the numbers for North Wales even more alarming.

In 2021, 17.9 per cent of pregnant women within the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board catchment smoked at initial assessment, the second-highest highest among health boards in Wales.

This was 4.5 per cent higher than the next biggest figure (Powys at 13.4 per cent) and is one of just two catchments with a higher rate than the Wales average, which stood at 14.8 per cent.

Across Wales that year, approximately 3,456 babies were born to mothers who were recorded as smokers at birth.

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of both short and long term problems, including pre-term birth, learning difficulties (such as autism), pre mature membrane rupture, hyperactivity, placenta previa, placental abruption, obesity, diabetes, still birth, ectopic pregnancy, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), babies small for their gestational age, and other ear, nose and throat issues.

Betsi Cadwaladr Executive Director of Public Health Teresa Owen said giving up smoking was among the “best things” to do for a baby’s health.

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The health board have a specialist Help Me Quit service which supports those trying to stop during pregnancy.

Ms Owen said: “Smoking is the leading cause of avoidable illness and early death in Wales. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, including low birth weight, premature birth and stillbirth.

“Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for the health of your baby, and your family. We want to do all we can to help pregnant women quit.

“Our Help Me Quit for Baby service supports pregnant women to quit smoking, with up to 12 weeks of personal one-to-one support and free stop smoking medicines worth up to £250.

“In September, we launched a pilot incentive scheme to help encourage and support pregnant women in Denbighshire to stop smoking and stay smoke-free during their pregnancy and the early weeks of their new child’s life.

“Similar support schemes are well-established elsewhere, and have been shown to increase rates of quitting while generating a return on investment of £4 for every £1 spent.

“This scheme is the first of its kind in Wales, and has now been extended to pregnant women in all areas of North Wales. Pregnant women will be invited to take part by their community midwife.

“Our fantastic Help Me Quit team look forward to offering this support to more mums-to-be over the coming months, and helping more people to quit smoking.”