New NHS pregnancy | News and events

A new incentivised stop smoking pilot scheme has been launched to support mothers-to-be under the care of North West Anglia Foundation Trust (NWAngliaFT) maternity service, as well as for those living in Wisbech.

Anyone signed up to the pilot scheme will be given up to £385 of One4ALL shopping vouchers if they commit to stop smoking, and can prove they have stayed smoke-free. The vouchers, which can be used at a variety of shops and brands, will be given out at regular intervals from a confirmed quit day up until 52 weeks post quitting. Anyone signed up to this scheme will have carbon monoxide readings to confirm they are not smoking.

Lesley Deacon, Deputy Chief Nurse at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough said, “Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, including low birth weight, premature birth and stillbirth, and we want to do everything possible to help encourage and support people to stop smoking.

 “Community midwives will speak with anyone eligible to take part in the scheme. We also understand though that some people might not be comfortable telling their midwife that they are smoking during pregnancy, however we would urge you to speak to your midwife for help and support with stopping smoking, it’s the best thing you can do for you and your unborn baby’s health.”

Mothers-to-be involved in the scheme will also be asked to recruit a significant other supporter (partner, friend, or family member) to support them to stop smoking. This person will receive £60 for their efforts if the mother-to-be has been successful in their attempt at quitting smoking and remains smoke-free at 12 weeks following birth.

Smoking during pregnancy restricts the essential oxygen supply to the baby, meaning their heart must beat harder every time you smoke. Additionally, every cigarette contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which are dangerous, so smoking when pregnant harms the unborn baby. 

For further information about the scheme  email nwangliaft.smokefreepregnancy@nhs.net to contact the team at NWAngliaFT and eh.healthyyou@nhs.net to contact the Wisbech team.

For more information about stopping smoking during pregnancy please visit https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/stop-smoking/