Record Low Smoking Rates Among Pregnant Women across Humber and North Yorkshire

The number of pregnant women smoking across the Humber and North Yorkshire area has dropped to its lowest level ever, according to new NHS England data.

Only 4.8% of expectant mothers (about 155 women) smoked between July and September 2025, a sharp decrease from last year’s 8.4%. This means 140 fewer women smoked during pregnancy compared to the same period last year

This positive trend is reflected across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region, which includes West and South Yorkshire, where rates fell from 7.1% to 5.0%. Nationally, the smoking in pregnancy rate is 4.3%.

The local NHS say these improvements are the result of new support programs, including the commitment in the NHS Long Term Plan to provide dedicated stop smoking support as a standard part of maternity care across all Trusts, and a national financial incentive scheme launched in early 2025. Pregnant women who quit smoking can earn Love2shop vouchers after passing carbon monoxide tests, helping them stay motivated and smokefree.

Charlotte from Grimsby, who quit smoking during her pregnancy, said:

"I'd wanted to stop smoking for ages and tried so many times 

"I was referred to the tobacco dependency treatment team at the hospital in the early stages of my pregnancy, and even though I tried to stop, I struggled to make it stick.

"That was until I had a scare at 29 weeks and was told I may be sent down for an emergency c-section as I was struggling to breathe. That really shocked me, and I haven't smoked again since.  

"The incentive scheme was great as well – with shopping vouchers awarded at various points of the pregnancy, I was able to treat myself to new shoes and clothes which I wouldn't have had the money for before as smoking is so expensive" 

"I'm grateful for the support of Leanne and Sophie, the tobacco dependency advisors at the hospital. They were so friendly, never judging me because I smoked and always there and willing to listen. 

"I'd honestly recommend anyone to give it a go, I've got a healthy baby, I'm healthier and there's a bit more money in my pocket! I'm planning to stay smokefree now" 

Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of harm to both mother and baby. It increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and sudden infant death. Children born to parents who smoke are also more likely to experience respiratory illness, learning difficulties, and diabetes, and are more likely to grow up to be smokers when compared to children born into smokefree households.

As well as the health harms caused by smoking during pregnancy, it also adds to the cost of living and pushes families further into poverty. The average smoker spends £3,000 per year on tobacco, with younger women from the most deprived areas being the most likely to smoke and be exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy.

Scott Crosby, Associate Director for the Humber and North Yorkshire Centre for Excellence said:

"It’s encouraging to see progress in reducing smoking during pregnancy, but the challenge remains significant. Across Humber and North Yorkshire, one in 20 expectant mothers are still exposed to tobacco—a deadly product that harms families and future generations.

Maternal smoking is estimated to cost the NHS around £20 million each year, but the real tragedy is the human cost - families missing out on precious moments and loved ones lost too soon.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently progressing through Parliament sets out a bold ambition for a smokefree society. To achieve this, we must ensure every pregnant woman has access to expert support to quit and introduce stronger measures to protect our next generation from ever becoming addicted to tobacco."

Becky Case, Local Maternity and Neonatal System Programme Director for Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said:

"The latest decline in smoking at delivery rates shows the progress that is being made across the maternity system and the wider NHS in terms of supporting smokers to quit. Recently, the NHS Long Term Plan has funded additional tobacco dependence treatment, particularly within maternity services. 

"We are also starting to see that the ongoing rollout of the National Smokefree Pregnancy Incentive Scheme across our area is helping us engage with even more smokers who want to quit and is leading to more smokefree pregnancies.

"Everyone wants the best start in life for their unborn baby, and women should know that they can access expert, non-judgmental support from their maternity teams across our region"

The NHs says that for anyone expecting a baby in 2026, now is the ideal time to quit smoking. With dedicated help for both the pregnant mother and anyone else in the household. There is more information at https://www.yestoquit.co.uk