The campaign was developed after shocking statistics showed that one in
five mothers-to-be in Scotland are ignoring warnings and continuing to
light up.
The Scottish Executive has pledged to reduce the number of women
smoking in pregnancy from 29% in 1995 to 20% in 2010. Figures for 2005
show that 22.7% of women were still smoking when they were three months
pregnant. The ad features Michelle, who explained how she quit smoking. The motto is: "If you are pregnant or planning a baby, there is a lot of support to help you stop smoking".
WATCH
Launch of campaign to help pregnant smokers - The (Glasgow) Herald
October 16 2006
CAROLYN CHURCHILL
Health officials will today unveil a television advert designed to help pregnant women give up smoking.
The campaign was developed after shocking statistics showed that one in five mothers-to-be in Scotland are ignoring warnings and continuing to light up.
The Scottish Executive has pledged to reduce the number of women smoking in pregnancy from 29% in 1995 to 20% in 2010. Figures for 2005 show that 22.7% of women were still smoking when they were three months pregnant.
Now NHS Health Scotland has produced the TV advert along with a DVD to raise awareness of the services available to help mothers give up the habit.
Carol Butler is a smoking cessation midwife who advises pregnant women on ways to quit smoking.
"Women who smoke during pregnancy are much more likely to have a baby born prematurely, who might be quite sick and need special care," she said. "They're much more likely to have hospital admissions themselves and there is also a risk of miscarriage.
"The good news is that there is help and support available for mums who want to quit smoking, and nobody's going to judge them or make them feel bad about themselves. All the smoking cessation midwives across Scotland are here to provide information so that women can make an informed choice." The adverts, which will run from today until November and then again in the new year, feature the story of one young mother who managed to give up smoking while pregnant.
Michelle Murphy, 23, from Paisley, has smoked since she was at school and continued her 20-a-day habit when she fell pregnant with her son Finlay, who is now six. Despite advice, she carried on smoking when she became pregnant a second time, and even when she miscarried she could not give up the habit. She smoked again when she was expecting her daughter, Brieze, now four, and it was only when she was pregnant with her six-month-old daughter Neve that she decided to seek help.
Ms Murphy, who is now 11 weeks pregnant with her fourth child, enlisted the help of Ms Butler and eventually managed to give up. She has not smoked since.
"I always felt guilty every time I lit up when pregnant, but I still did it, even although the midwives told me about the risks," she said.
"When I was 12 weeks pregnant with Neve, the midwife asked if I wanted to be put in touch with a smoking cessation adviser. Carol contacted me and it just went from there. Her support was tremendous.
"I began to cut down but was still smoking until I was 28 weeks pregnant. At that time, Neve's kidneys were dilated and I knew that if I stopped she would get better, so one day I threw my cigarettes at my partner and said: 'You have them.' That was it.
"It's been fantastic, the whole family has been healthier. Brieze used to get bad ear and chest infections, but she's been fine since I gave up.
"I don't think it was smoking that caused my miscarriage, but obviously it added to it. I also think stopping smoking played a part in the difference in the kids' birth weights, as Finlay was 7lb, Brieze was 6lb 10oz, but Neve was 7lb 10oz.
"I would tell any other pregnant woman to just go for it and give up. It's the best thing I have ever done."
Ann Kerr, programme manager for Tobacco at NHS Health Scotland, added: "Anyone can contact Smokeline free on 0800 848484 or visit our website at www.canstopsmoking.com for information on services across Scotland. Local information is also available from midwives and GPs."
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