HEALTH bosses are warning women in North Yorkshire of the dangers of smoking while pregnant.

NHS Yorkshire and the Humber is offering advice and support to women who want to quit while pregnant and their partners.

Over the last year the NHS Yorkshire and Humber service has helped 36,514 people give up smoking.

Paul Johnstone, regional director for public health at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “There are a number of reasons why giving up smoking is a good idea, whether you are expecting a baby or not.

“When you smoke, or inhale other people’s second hand smoke some of the oxygen in your blood is replaced by carbon monoxide.

“This can then result in the oxygen supply to your baby being restricted.”

For more information on giving up smoking during pregnancy call the NHS pregnancy smoking helpline on 0800-1699-169.

Pregnant women offered carbon monoxide test

MIDWIVES are offering pregnant woman and their partners a simple breath test in an attempt to protect their unborn baby from the harmful effects of smoke.
Carbon monoxide monitors are being used to test the levels in a smoker’s lungs, with the result being used to try and help people quit the habit.

The service is being offered in Blyth, Cramlington, North Tyneside and Newcastle – with those who have already taken part encouraging people to take up the offer.

Northumberland Care Trust’s stop smoking specialist, Shirley Camsell, helps households to quit smoking.

“It’s really important that we protect unborn babies from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke which is why we’re also offering the test to smokers who are living in the same household as the pregnant women,” she said.

“High levels of carbon monoxide in non-smokers could even mean that there could be a leaky gas boiler in the house.

“The tests help reassure the pregnant women that her baby is not being put at risk through smoke in any way.”

Pregnant women are being offered a test at 16, 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

To make a booking, contact the NHS stop smoking service for North Tyneside and Newcastle on 0300 123 9290.