A recent campaign established by the NHS aims to discourage smoking among pregnant women and benefit the health of the unborn child. The campaign NHS Smokefree includes images of a pregnant woman, holding a cigarette and emphasizes that each cigarette a pregnant woman smokes, decreases oxygen, the baby takes in and affects the growth and development in the womb.
The campaign also shows how a baby needs heart beat more strong, if a pregnant woman smokes. Smoking is a key factor in the price of health insurance premiums and the habit can collect the cost of policies, so that not only will to affect physical health, but the economic welfare of the policy holder as well.
Critical view stops women seeking help
Studies indicate that one factor discouraging pregnant smokers, to discuss and seek help with their habit is the fear of being criticized by others. A 2000 study found that respondents that 49 percent said they were "critical" for pregnant smokers.
In another study with 224 pregnant women who smoke, twenty-eight per cent, wanted to find help, but feared being judged, 38 per cent hid the habit of others, while 39 percent of pregnant smokers said they were "ashamed" to admit their habit to their midwife or health professional. Dr. Miriam Stoppard, who supports the campaign, said: "Pregnant women who smoke automatically is not easy to quit smoking as they become pregnant, often hide their smoking instead of asking for help to quit because they feel that they to be criticized.
"Pregnancy can be a particularly difficult time quitting – and instead of stigmatizing these women, we should be guiding them to their local NHS Smoking Cessation Service for advice and support to help them stop smoking. "
A personal view
A personal account of Catherine Anderson – a 39 year old proud mother of twins four months two years, Miller and Holly – shows that the habit can be expelled, as he did, more once. Catherine has been a non-smoker for eight months and vows that this time is forever. Previously, up to 10 cigarettes smoked per day, but after discovering that was pregnant, she decided to leave "for their benefit."
During her first pregnancy, child wither, Jenson was able to quit smoking your account, however, when she became pregnant with her twins, said "I knew I could not do it myself." He said: "My midwife put me in touch with Driscoll Geraldine O ', an adviser to quit based on the Great Western Hospital. I had been a little scared because I thought it could be critical me, but I could not be more wrong.
"Geraldine was kind and immediately gave me confidence that I would be able to succeed. We decided I was going to conduct our meetings at my house, which obviously made it more convenient for me when I became more advanced pregnancy.
"My carbon monoxide levels were monitored in my first session and was so frightening to see how much was in my body, because I only had two cigarettes that day. "
Catherine concluded: "Geraldine has made me a huge favor and has become a good friend.
"It so good to know that she is at the other end of the phone if I ever get the temptation to smoke a cigarette and I need someone to tell me to stop. I can not say that it has been easy, but had the best reason to do so. I had to do for the twins and Jenson, so it was definitely a case of mind over matter. "
Hotspots highlighted smoking
In new research, access points to smoking pregnant women were highlighted, with Southampton being named as having the highest rate with 19.5 percent of women still smoke during pregnancy. In Hampshire – 12.3 percent – a considerable amount of pregnant women who smoke during pregnancy.
Dr Andrew Mortimore, Southampton Public Health, said: "It is worrying that a large number of women in Southampton yet smoke while pregnant, and thank him for quitting is very difficult. "We recently started to provide intensive support for midwives have been trained to help mothers quit.
Wendy Bennett, Stop Specialist smoking Hampshire, added: "Some women do not want to admit to their midwives who are the snuff and believe it would be failed. We offer a service other than the trial and can offer nicotine replacement products. "
New stop smoking advert – Smokefree Generation
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