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Smoking and coronavirus - advice for parents

How does smoking during pregnancy impact my baby? 

Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy significantly increases your risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or having a premature or unwell baby. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to protect your child from the harms of tobacco smoke.

Does smoking increase my risk from coronavirus?

As a precautionary measure, the government has classed pregnant women as a group at risk of severe illness from coronavirus. Evidence suggests smokers who contract coronavirus are more likely to need intensive care than non-smokers. Smoking damages your lungs and weakens your immune system. This makes it more likely that you will have complications if you get sick and take longer to recover.

Can I get help to quit from my midwife?

Yes. Your midwife should:
1. Provide you with information about the risks of smoking and benefits of quitting for you and your baby.
2. Refer you to the Warwickshire specialist Stop Smoking in Pregnancy Team. This friendly team can provide you with support and advice via telephone/video and can send you stop smoking medications by post. They should also be able to give you advice about using an e-cigarette to quit smoking.
3. You can call this team on: 07917 227 004, or text us to request a call back.

How can I keep my home smokefree?

You can use nicotine replacement products (e.g. patches or gum) or e-cigarettes to protect yourself and your family from harmful cigarette smoke. If you need to smoke you should take at least 7 steps outside to stop smoke drifting inside.

Connect with others on social media using the hashtag - #QuitForCovid

For the latest information on coronavirus, visit nhs.uk