Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire has the lowest smoking in pregnancy rate in the South West
The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) health and care system has achieved the lowest rate of women smoking at the time of giving birth in the South West, according to national NHS figures.
During January to March 2024, the rate of women smoking at the time of giving birth in BNSSG fell from 7.3% to 5.6%, compared to the previous quarter. The South West rate for the same period was 7.7%.
While the headline rate includes variations between areas in BNSSG, the overall figure for the local health and care system means it is the only one in the South West to achieve a rate below 6% in quarter four 2023/24.
Evidence shows smoking during pregnancy increases risks to unborn babies such as restricting oxygen to the womb which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and sudden infant death.
The figures reflect a range of initiatives implemented by local NHS organisations as well as Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council including implementing Treating Tobacco Dependency teams and introducing Badgernet an online platform containing pregnancy notes and maternity information.
Rosi Shepherd, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and Chair of the BNSSG Local Maternity and Neonatal System said:
“This is really great news and shows our local initiatives, such as the implementation of Tackling Tobacco Dependency Teams and supportive resources on Badgernet, are working to reduce smoking rates in pregnancy.
“All the evidence shows that smoking during pregnancy is harmful, so I’d encourage anyone who is pregnant and still smoking to quit if they can or reach out for support if they need to.”
In April 2024, a trial was also launched which provided nicotine replacement therapy Grab Bags for midwives. The bags contain alternative methods to encourage pregnant women and people to stop smoking.”
Matt Lenny, Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services at North Somerset Council and Smokefree Champion for the Integrated Care System said:
“There are also lots of initiatives to help people quit smoking in general.
“These exciting results show we have a strong shared commitment across our health and care system to help as many as people as possible to quit.
“We know that if people quit smoking tobacco for 28 days, they are five times more likely to quit for good.
“Smokers are more likely to succeed with expert support, from their local stop smoking service. Relapse is a normal part of the process, so people should always feel confident about asking for help at any time and use that to secure a healthier, smoke-free future.”
Councillor Stephen Williams, Chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee at Bristol City Council, said:
“The overall reduction in the rate of women smoking at the time of giving birth is a fantastic step forward, which we are glad to see. However, we cannot ignore that within certain communities in Bristol we have significantly higher rates of women smoking at the time of giving birth than the regional average.
“We must continue to work towards reducing all health inequalities, including reducing rates of smoking in pregnancy in every ward, which remains a priority for us.”
Sarah Weld, Director of Public Health at South Gloucestershire County Council, said:
“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. For advice and support to stop smoking service talk to a midwife; a health visitor; your GP surgery or a pharmacist.”
The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care System, Healthier Together, is supporting this year’s Stoptober, an awareness month throughout October encouraging people to give up smoking.
The rate of women smoking at the time of delivery between January and March 2024 was 5.6% in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire; 7.7% in the South West region; and 6.9% in England.
Statistics on Women’s Smoking Status at the Time of Delivery in England are available on the NHS England website.
Further information about quit smoking support and resources are available on the NHS England Better Health website. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/