A public health charity is encouraging expectant mothers in Glasgow to access new free ‘smoking and vaping during pregnancy’ resources.
Developed by Action on Smoking and Health Scotland (ASH), the resources aim to increase awareness of the risk these habits pose to unborn babies.
In Scotland, one in 12 women reported smoking at their first midwife appointment.
A new animated video and e-learning module produced by the charity aims to help expectant mothers understand the links between cigarettes, e-cigarettes and pregnancy, know more about how tobacco and vaping affect the health and development of babies, and increase confidence to quit smoking.
Health damage associated with smoking is felt more intensely by pregnant women who are at higher risk of experiencing illness and complications.
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Evidence also shows that second-hand smoke poses serious health risks to infants, with exposure leading to an increased chance of developing asthma, respiratory infection and sudden infant death.
The World Health Organisation states that foetal exposure to e-cigarette vapour can negatively impact development.
Partners or family members who smoke or vape in the home should be encouraged to do so outside during pregnancy and after the birth.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Addiction is not a lifestyle choice – it is a public health concern and a social justice issue and expectant mothers in Glasgow can give their baby the best start in life by quitting smoking.
“A mother quitting smoking prior to pregnancy reduces the potential of health risks affecting their baby to near non-smoker levels and ASH Scotland wants to ensure that they are empowered to seek support to give up.
“We trust that our new ‘smoking and vaping during pregnancy’ animated video and e-learning module will help inform expectant mothers across the city about the many benefits of giving up smoking.”
