London’s second Smokefree Pregnancy Week runs from 17 to 21 November 2025, shining a spotlight on the dangers of smoking during pregnancy and the support available to help you quit. This campaign, led by London Tobacco Alliance and Stop Smoking London, is here to help expectant parents give their baby the healthiest start in life.
Why quitting matters
There is no safe level of smoking during pregnancy. Smoking increases the risk of serious health problems for your baby—before birth and throughout childhood. By stopping smoking, you’re more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby.
Support is here for you
You don’t have to do it alone. There’s plenty of help available to make quitting easier. At your booking appointment, your midwife will ask about your smoking and offer support. Together, you can create a quit plan that works for you and gives you the best chance of success.
Give your baby the best start
Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the most important things you can do. Quitting completely reduces the risk of complications and helps ensure your baby gets the healthiest start in life.
Supporting Smoke Free Pregnancy at Whittington Health
When Natalie discovered she was pregnant, her priority was her baby’s health. Determined not to smoke during pregnancy, she accessed the Smoke Free Pregnancy Support Programme provided by Whittington Health’s Tobacco Dependency Service. The initiative offers regular check-ins, carbon monoxide (CO) testing, and financial incentives to help expectant mothers quit smoking.
“The early days were the hardest,” Natalie recalls. “Before the bump shows, it doesn’t feel real. Having someone check in and knowing I’d be tested kept me on track.” The structured support gave her the motivation and reassurance she needed.
For Natalie, Whittington Health’s Tobacco Dependency Service made all the difference.
“It was brilliant. When I gave birth, they came down to see us. I told them, ‘My baby’s healthy because of you’”.
She admits it wasn’t always easy, especially during summer gatherings with friends, but the programme’s encouragement and her friends’ understanding helped her stay committed.
Two months after welcoming baby Layla, Natalie remains smoke free. Her advice to others: “Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s tough, but do it for your baby. Once you go nine months without smoking, you won’t want to go back.”
Further information
For more information on the benefits of quitting smoking while pregnant:
- visit the Stop Smoking London website
- download the free guide “A Guide to Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy”
Where to get help
- Ask your midwife to refer you for help to stop smoking
- Sign up to Stop Smoking London’s text messaging service to get tailored daily messages to motivate you on your journey.
- Contact your local stop smoking service for FREE support:
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- Barnet: Barnet Stop Smoking Service
- Camden: Breathe Stop Smoking Service
- Enfield: Smokefree Enfield – A Stop Smoking Service
- Haringey: One You Haringey
- Islington: Breathe Stop Smoking Service