Liverpool meets national target as smoking in pregnancy falls to record low 

Liverpool has successfully met the national goal of reducing smoking among pregnant women, with provisional data for 2025/26 indicating that only 4.6% of women were smoking at the time of giving birth. This figure is below the national target of 5%, showcasing Liverpool’s significant progress in tackling maternal smoking.

According to the latest statistics from NHS England, Liverpool’s improvement over the past decade has outpaced both the Northwest region and the country as a whole. Maternal smoking rates in Liverpool dropped dramatically from 16.2% in 2015/16, involving 937 mothers, to just 4.6% in 2025/26, representing a 72% reduction. For comparison, maternal smoking declined by 66% in the Northwest and by 62% across England during the same period.

These numbers are derived from NHS England’s recent Smoking Status at Time of Delivery report, which records the prevalence of smoking among women at the point of childbirth. Despite Liverpool’s achievement in meeting and exceeding the national ambition, health officials emphasize that continued efforts are necessary to support every infant’s healthy beginning.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, highlighted the importance of the milestone: “These figures are something Liverpool can be proud of. Reaching the national target and reducing smoking in pregnancy by 72% over the last decade is a real achievement. It reflects the commitment of our maternity services, stop smoking teams and partner organisations, as well as the determination of women and families across the city.” He also stressed ongoing vigilance, stating, “But we know there is no safe level of smoking during pregnancy. Every family deserves the best possible start, so we’ll keep investing in services that help people quit and make sure support is available to everyone who needs it.”

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, echoed this message, noting the persistent risks associated with smoking during pregnancy: “These results show that our long-term approach is making a real difference, but we can’t be complacent. Smoking during pregnancy remains one of the biggest preventable risks to the health of mothers and babies, and every woman who quits gives her baby a healthier start in life.” He encouraged pregnant women who smoke to seek support, adding, “The good news is that no one has to do it alone. Support for pregnant women is available through a dedicated team at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital. We would encourage anyone who is pregnant and smoking to get in touch with their midwife.”

Smoking during pregnancy is known to increase the chances of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight in newborns. However, quitting smoking at any point during pregnancy improves outcomes for both mother and child. Expectant mothers in Liverpool can receive specialised assistance through the Liverpool Women’s Hospital’s Smoke-Free Pregnancy Programme. Additionally, family support is offered via the Smokefree Liverpool community service, which helps entire households quit smoking simultaneously and provides continued support to new mothers to maintain cessation after leaving the hospital. For more information, families can visit the Smokefree Liverpool website or call their support hotline

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