Liverpool has met the national ambition to reduce smoking during pregnancy, with new provisional figures showing that 4.6% of women were smoking at the time they gave birth in 2025/26, below the national target of 5%.
The latest NHS England data also shows that Liverpool has made faster progress than both the Northwest and England over the last 10 years.
In just a decade, Liverpool has seen a striking reduction in maternal smoking at delivery, with rates falling from 16.2% (937 mothers) in 2015/16 to 4.6% (180 mothers) in 2025/26, a 72% decrease.
Over the same period:
- Liverpool: down 72%
- Northwest: down 66%
- England: down 62%
The figures come from NHS England’s new Smoking Status at Time of Delivery report, which measures the number of women who are known to be smoking when they give birth.
While Liverpool has achieved the national ambition, health leaders say there is still more to do to ensure every baby has the healthiest possible start in life.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“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.
“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, said:
“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.
“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 increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and babies being born with a low birth weight. Quitting at any stage of pregnancy improves the health of both mother and baby.
Expectant mothers in Liverpool can access dedicated stop smoking support directly through Liverpool Women’s Hospital Maternity Services, which runs a specialised Smoke-Free Pregnancy Programme.
Support for the families of pregnant smokers is also available from the Smokefree Liverpool community stop smoking service to enable the whole family to support each other by quitting at the same time. The Smokefree Liverpool service also offers ongoing support to new mothers to maintain quits and prevent relapse after new mothers are discharged from hospital.
Visit: www.smokefreeliverpool.co.uk or call: 0151 374 2535 to speak to an advisor.
