PREGNANT women will be given more support to quit smoking after figures revealed that Bolton has a higher than average number of mums-to-be who smoke during their pregnancy.

Thirteen per cent of pregnant women — 500 — smoked 'at the time of delivery' , meaning they had not quit by the time they had their baby, in 2016/17. This is higher than the national average of 10.7 per cent, but lower than the North West average of 13.4 per cent.

Now mums-to-be will be given extra support as the town is to be among the next wave of towns in Greater Manchester to implement the regional babyClear initiative — which also encourages other people in the household to quit.

Smoking rates among pregnant mums has fallen from 18.7 per cent in 2010/11 but have always remained above the national average.

Nicky Etchells, matron and lead on the ‘Saving babies' lives’ programme at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We’re delighted that Bolton will be the next area to adopt the babyClear initiative, and for the support that it will provide us to boost our existing service, Bump the Habit.

"Our midwives work with women and families across Bolton and the surrounding areas to provide support for those expectant mums who are trying to stop smoking. Whilst the figures are gradually improving, there is still more to be done, and this focus on smoking during pregnancy can only be a good thing for our families."

Rather than cash, the borough will be given access to more resources to encourage pregnant women to stop smoking to provide support for 'vulnerable women at high risk of relapse to smoking'.

The impact is to improve children's health and 'smoke-free homes becoming the norm'.

Acting Leader of the Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: "Since setting up the Bump the Habit scheme in 2012, we have worked hard in Bolton to reduce the number of women who smoke during pregnancy. We understand that some people need extra help while giving up smoking, and the scheme offers free and friendly support.

"Children born to mothers who smoke have a higher risk of developing health issues, are likely to have a lower birth weight and are at greater risk of sudden infant death, so it is vital that they are fully informed of the risks and given the right support to quit. We are committed to helping children have the best start in life, and there is still work to do to reduce smoking further, which is why additional support via the babyClear initiative is very much welcomed."

She added: "The scheme will enable us to enhance Bump the Habit by increasing relevant training for colleagues in order to reach more mums-to-be.

"It will also provide CO monitors which measure carbon monoxide levels and can help with motivation when giving up smoking. The scheme also offers support to anyone else who smokes in the household where the child/baby will live.

"We know from evidence that women who receive support from significant others in their family find quitting much easier, so the scheme will provide support to those people to either change their smoking habits or try to stop as well."