HUNDREDS of unborn children are being put at risk every year in Bolton because their mums continue to smoke during pregnancy.

Shock new figures show that out of almost 4,000 births in the town last year, some 800 children were delivered to mothers who still smoked.

Smoking during pregnancy can cause serious problems, including greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth; the baby is more likely to be premature or have a low birth weight; the development of the baby can be affected and complications during labour are more likely.

When the child is older they are at higher risk of becoming smokers, getting ear infections and having problems like asthma and chest infections.

The Department of Health report shows around 20 per cent of mums-to-be in the town did not give up the habit in 2009/10.

The figures give Bolton one of the worst rates of smoking in pregnancy in the North West, where the average is 18 per cent of women still smoking.

This is also well above the national average of 14 per cent of women still smoking when their baby arrives.

But NHS Bolton, the primary care trust which oversees local health services, says there have been improvements and more is being done.

Liz Wigg, health improvement specialist (tobacco), said: “Bolton has made great strides in tackling smoking in pregnancy and in the last six years the percentage has dropped from 26.7 per cent to 20.5 per cent.

“However, the percentage has not come down as quickly as we would have liked and the rate is above the national average. The PCT is working with the hospital to tackle this and a multi agency action group has been set up to implement new NICE guidelines, due to be published in June.

“This will include improving training for midwives and the use of CO monitors by health professionals which measure the amount of carbon monoxide that has been inhaled.

“Quitting smoking in pregnancy is important for both the mother and baby and Bolton Stop Smoking Service has a specialist pregnancy service.”

Martin Dockrell, director of policy and research at ASH, Action on Smoking and Health, said: “Nicotine is very highly addictive, it’s tough for anybody to quit.

“A lot of mums are young mums, where seven in 10 smoke, and it’s much harder for them to go against what is happening among their friends and family, maybe the dad, and quit on their own.

“Families need to quit together for the baby, it’s always easier when you have support.”

Anyone wanting to quit smoking should contact Bolton Stop Smoking Service on 01204 462345 or visit stopsmokingbolton.co.u k. The pregnancy service offers home visits, drop in sessions and telephone support.