More Than 17% of Pregnant Women Smoke

Seventeen percent of pregnant women in the South West admit they smoke - but the true figure could be a lot higher.

Health officials think many mums-to-be are too ashamed to admit to lighting up. Greg Price from Devon's Stop Smoking Service thinks it is because of the stigma attached, "they are so afraid that the wagging finger is going to come out and start telling them off. But if they are not informing their midwife or doctor that they are smoking during pregnancy then that person isn't getting the opportunity to help."

He adds that smoking while expecting can have a massive impact on the baby's health "it can cause low birth weights, issues around breathing difficulties when the baby's born, asthma, issues later on in life with regards to growth rates. It can also cause still birth, deafness and blindness in the baby."

To listen to our full interview with Greg Price CLICK HERE.

For help on quitting smoking when pregnant and more information CLICK HERE.