Smoking in pregnancy at an all time low in Tameside

Tameside is celebrating a remarkable public health achievement as smoking during pregnancy hits an all-time low in the borough – giving more babies than ever the healthiest possible start in life.

The number of babies benefitting from improved health outcomes from a smokefree pregnancy is increasing, with 349 mums have successfully quit smoking during pregnancy in the last three years. Smoking at time of delivery rates for Tameside for 2024/25 were 5.8%, showing an ongoing reduction and outperforming similar areas to Tameside, as well as the north west averages, which are above 6%.  

Figures published by NHS England show that around four in 100 pregnant women are smoking in the borough, showing a decrease of over 11% in the last nine years. This is in part thanks to the introduction of Greater Manchester’s Smokefree Pregnancy programme, supported by Tameside Council, which has been a key part of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership’s regional tobacco control strategy to make smoking history.

Since it was established in 2018, its aim has been to tackle health inequalities, improve health and wellbeing, and ultimately save babies’ lives. Tameside joined other local authorities across Greater Manchester, alongside NHS Greater Manchester and NHS Foundation Trusts to deliver the programme. 

The programme includes a referral for specialist support to the Maternity Tobacco Dependency team at Tameside Hospital where midwifes and midwife support workers are available to advise and encourage pregnant women to have a healthy, smoke-free, and tobacco-free pregnancy and delivery. It includes one-to-one advice and guidance, free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), regular carbon monoxide (CO) screening, and an incentive scheme to stay smoke-free. Partners can also receive support to help quit through the offer of a vape kit from the team, or with a referral to Be Well Tameside.

Participants in the programme may be eligible for stop smoking vouchers which are part of the national incentive scheme if they quit and remain smokefree throughout pregnancy until birth. In addition, there are two postpartum incentives at one and three months after birth, with those achieving the target the chance to gain up to £400 worth of vouchers.

Alysha, a mum from Ashton, said: “When I saw the midwife and she gave me all the information about the risks to my baby before and after it was born, I knew stopping smoking was the best thing for my partner and me to do.”

Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Tafheen Sharif, hailed the success: “This is more than a statistic – it’s about babies born healthier, families empowered to live smoke-free, and a community working together to change lives. The impact Greater Manchester’s Smokefree Pregnancy programme has had in such a short time is simply incredible. I’m proud of every midwife, support worker, and health professional involved – and most of all, I applaud the mums and families who made this life-changing choice for their children.  Your strength and commitment are shaping a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.”

Smokers who are pregnant can access support by speaking to their midwife. New mums can also contact their health visitor, or any other professional such as an early years worker at any Tameside family hub who will refer them to Be Well Tameside. Alternatively they can self-refer to Be Well Tameside by completing the self-referral form, calling 0161 342 5050 or emailing bewelltameside@tameside.gov.uk.