Smoking during pregnancy in Worcestershire has dropped to its lowest recorded level.
The decline follows targeted support from Worcestershire County Council’s public health team in partnership with NHS maternity services.
Latest figures show the rate is now down to around three percent in 2025/26. The numbers have more than halved, with only 150 women smoking during pregnancy compared to 413 the previous year.
Alan Bailes, the council’s cabinet member for health, said: “It is brilliant to see so many more mums-to-be in Worcestershire quitting smoking, where we are now down to around three percent, which really is a huge step in the right direction.
HAPPY AND HEALTHY: Jodie Green with daughter Aria and baby Mylah (Image: Worcestershire County Council)
“Of course, we won’t be happy until that number is zero, so there’s still work to do.”
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and long-term health complications for the baby.
The stop smoking services in Worcestershire are now considered among the best in the country.
Jodie Green, a mother from Rubery, shared how the support helped her quit after smoking since the age of 11.
SUPPORT: Linda Haynes, a Public Health Specialist Midwife in Worcestershire (Image: Worcestershire County Council)
She said: “I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it without this support, especially from Angela, my stop smoking coach.
“There was one point where I was so close to smoking to the point where I’d bought cigarettes.
“I called Angela and told her how I was feeling.
“She completely talked me down and I ended up literally putting a fresh packet of cigarettes in the bin.”
Jodie stayed smoke-free throughout a challenging pregnancy and an extended hospital stay.
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Her daughter Mylah was born prematurely and required breathing support.
“God forbid if I was smoking, how much more support she would have needed,” said the 24-year-old, “I feel so much better in myself.”
Cllr Bailes added: “Jodie’s story is a real reminder of what is possible when people get the right support at the right time.
“It takes courage to quit, especially during such a challenging pregnancy so well-done Jodie. Huge credit too to our public health team and our NHS colleagues, who go above and beyond to help people like Jodie every single day.”
The support doesn’t end after birth.
Through the Smoke Free Homes service, anyone living with a child under 19 in Worcestershire can continue to access free expert help to quit smoking.
Linda Haynes, public health specialist midwife, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our team and the support we offer to people looking to quit smoking.
“Our approach is centred around each person’s needs, with a tailored 12-week programme shaped through one-to-one conversations. It’s flexible, giving people genuine choice and control as they work towards becoming smoke-free.”
To find out more about the free support available in Worcestershire, visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/stopsmoking.
