Record low smoking numbers in new mothers across the East Riding

The number of pregnant women who still smoke when they are due to give birth in the East Riding has hit a record low.

The Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust Your Health Service says smoking in pregnancy has been an on-going concern in the Humber and North Yorkshire for many years, with numbers remaining over the 10% threshold for some time. This means that over 200 babies per year, on average, are being born in the East Riding with an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), low birth weight and a far-reaching impact on their health throughout their life.

Figures show that in Quarter 3 of 2021/22, for the first time in the East Riding, Smoking At Time Of Delivery (SATOD) rates were below 10% at 9.2%. The national average is 10.6%.

The Your Health Stop Smoking Service launched the Smokefree Generation campaign in the East Riding in recent years, asking people to pledge to kick the habit and help make the region smokefree in future years.

The service has seen a 5.3% reduction in less than four years, when smoking cessation initiatives were launched as part of this campaign, resulting in nearly 150 fewer women giving birth each year whilst still smoking. This is a significant achievement and a step in the right direction.

Natalie Belt, Service Manager at YOURhealth, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The number of babies being born in the East Riding to a mother who smokes remains a concern and something we are working to reduce. Our service actively supports mothers and their families to go smokefree.

"We have free, on-site support and nicotine replacement therapy in local areas, including at Goole Hospital, and it is great to see these efforts are making a difference.”

The Smoking in Pregnancy Champions at the Your Health service deliver wellbeing support to men and women who are looking to improve their overall mental and physical wellbeing in addition to quitting smoking. The service understands that many factors can impact a person’s wellbeing and, in turn, their success in kicking the habit.

Support is available in many areas including stress and anxiety, loneliness, financial worries, relationship issues and much more.

The service works collaboratively with families in the East Riding, in a holistic manner, with each individual’s wellbeing at the forefront of the support delivered. It is the service’s goal to empower people to feel more in control of their own health and wellbeing.

The Your Health service provides support to families to go smokefree, create a smokefree home and encourage a smokefree generation for children and young people growing up locally.

Anyone living in the East Riding can access this support through their website https://www.nhs-health-trainers.co.uk/ or by texting QUIT to 60163.

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• East Riding
• humber teaching nhs foundation trust