Smoking and pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy is harmful to both mother and baby.
The choices you make when you are pregnant affect your baby’s health as well as yours. Now you’re pregnant, there has never been a better time to stop smoking. The earlier you stop smoking in your pregnancy, the better.
There’s no safe amount when it comes to smoking. Any amount damages your health and your baby’s. Cutting down or switching to low-tar cigarettes isn’t enough. The safest thing is to stop smoking completely.
You can find more information in Ready, Steady, Baby:
Smoking and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby! (nhsinform.scot)
Giving up smoking is the best thing you can do for your baby.
The good news is that you do not have to do this on your own. There’s lots of free help available.
We encourage you to contact the local NHS Lothian teams directly if you want to self-refer:
Edinburgh– 0131 286 5113
East Lothian & Midlothian– 0131 537 9914
West Lothian– 01506 651 829
iQuit: stopping smoking when you’re pregnant (publichealthscotland.scot): This booklet will help you, along with your midwife and your local Quit Your Way service. If you have any questions or want more information, call Quit Your Way Scotland free on 0800 84 84 84 to speak to an expert, or visit Stopping smoking | NHS inform
Alcohol During Pregnancy
There’s no known safe limit of drinking during pregnancy.
Some people will tell you that having the odd drink when you’re pregnant is okay.
The safest option is to stop drinking when you’re trying to get pregnant or as soon as you know you’re pregnant.
For more information on alcohol in pregnancy, see NHS Inform Ready, Steady, Baby
Drugs and Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, taking drugs can seriously affect you and your baby’s health. Sometimes this can be lifelong.
Having a baby can be a positive reason to make changes to your life.
For more information on taking drugs in pregnancy, see NHS Inform Ready, Steady, Baby
