Warning

Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life. It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it's never too late to quit.

Every cigarette you smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which are dangerous, so smoking when you are pregnant harms your unborn baby. Cigarettes can restrict the essential oxygen supply to your baby. As a result, their heart must beat harder every time you smoke.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 24/02/2025

Next review date: 28/02/2027

Author(s): Quit Your Way, Pregnancy Team.

Author email(s): ggc.quityourway.pregnancy@nhs.scot.

Approved By: Tobacco Planning & Implementation Group