New figures have revealed that the number of women smoking during pregnancy in the North East has reached a record low.

Latest figures from NHS Digital show five percent of women from the North East and North Cumbria were smoking at the time of delivery in 2025 to 2026 compared to 13.1 percent in 2020 to 2021 – a reduction of more than 61%.

Pregnant women who are identified as smokers are given clear information about the risks to themselves and their unborn babies by their midwife and referred to receive support to quit.

Thirty-one-year-old Jennie Weber, who lives in Sunderland, quit smoking with support from her local stop smoking service after finding out she was pregnant with her first child.

Jennie Weber, 31, quit smoking after finding out she was pregnant with her first child.

placeholder image — Jennie Weber, 31, quit smoking after finding out she was pregnant with her first child.

Now 29 weeks pregnant, she said: “I started smoking when I was around 15. Everyone around me was doing it, so it just felt normal.

"I’d never tried to quit before until I spoke to my midwife about the benefits of quitting.

“It was so helpful to have someone to talk to. My advisor was so lovely, and I never felt judged.

"She celebrated every milestone with me and helped me see each step as a real achievement. Having that support throughout made such a difference.

“It really helped me prepare for the arrival of my daughter. I can’t wait to meet her, and it feels great knowing that I’m doing everything I can to give her the healthiest possible start in life.”

Rachel McIlvenna, Smokefree NHS strategic manager for the North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board, said: “We’re really pleased to see that the number of women smoking during pregnancy has fallen again over the past year.

"This is such an important step toward improving the health of families across our region.

"The progress we’re seeing in the North East and North Cumbria is a credit to our amazing maternity and health visiting teams, our tobacco dependency treatment services, and – most importantly – the women who have bravely taken up the support available to help them quit.

"There’s still more to do, but we’re confident that every baby born in the North East and North Cumbria can have a smokefree start in life.

"By continuing to work together, we can make this ambition a reality.”