Smoking and pregnancy: Increased risks

Miscarriage Premature birth Low birthweight Sudden infant death syndrome Bleeding during pregnancy

"The women we interviewed felt unsupported by men's 'Do as I say, not as I do' attitude when their partners continued to smoke, but encouraged them to stop."

The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 19 pregnant women whose partners were smokers.

Some of the men involved demanded their partners gave up, but stoutly refused to do so themselves.

Others pretended to give up, but secretly kept smoking.

This study suggests that pregnancy is an ideal time for both parents to try to kick the habit and that couples are more likely to succeed if they make a joint attempt

Professor Gordon McVie, Cancer Research Campaign

Sir Paul Nurse, director general of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, said there were plenty of other benefits to giving up.

He said: "By quitting before your 35th birthday, you avoid nearly all the risk of being killed by tobacco.

"Some 70% of adult smokers say that they would like to quit and most couples have their first pregnancies at an age where there is ample opportunity to recover from most of the damage caused by youthful cigarette smoking."

Tobacco use kills around 120,000 people in the UK every year, causing or contributing to various cancers, heart disease and stroke.

Half of all regular smokers will be killed by their habit.

Professor Gordon McVie, director general of the Cancer Research Campaign, said: "This study suggests that pregnancy is an ideal time for both parents to try to kick the habit and that couples are more likely to succeed if they make a joint attempt."

The government has invested millions in services to help smokers quit.

Fathers-to-be who would like to stop smoking can speak to trained counsellors at the Dad's Quitline on 0800 002211.

There is also an NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline on 0800 1699169.