Woman smokers find it hard to give up smoking when they are pregnant. Researchers in Australia have found out that people remain addicted to cigarettes because of certain gene factors. Women with two copies of the gene find it a bit difficult to quit smoking compared to those without them.

Public health care trusts can help women stop smoking when they become pregnant. They offer various schemes to promote their move. In one such campaign in Suffolk, women who give up smoking were offered vouchers. The vouchers could be exchanged for beauty treatments, haircuts, and cinema tickets. They could also be used for buying baby care products. In Yorkshire, a similar project offered spouses of the women receive a further £20 if they to do so.

Smoking during pregnancy can have a pernicious effect on the health of a child. Such mothers gave birth to babies who suffer from respiratory disease, and low birth weight. It may even lead to stunted growth, premature delivery or even death of the baby.

Nicotine replacement therapies can help women with smoking cessation. Medications like Champix and Zyban, help reduce cravings. These are usually available free on the NHS. However pregnant women cannot take Champix or Zyban. They need to rely on gums, nicotine patches, inhalants or talking therapies like counselling or support groups. Statistics suggest that only 3% of smokers who try to quit without help succeed. So it is imperative to take some sort of help.

All expectant mothers, who care for their health and that of their child, need to stop smoking.