RATES of smoking during pregnancy have hit their lowest level on record in the North-East.

However the region still has the greatest proportion of pregnant smokers in the country.

Latest figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show that in the first quarter of 2015/16 16.3 per cent of women who were pregnant were smokers.

This compares nationally to rates of 10.7 per cent.

All eight of the North-East’s hospital foundation trusts, along with Stop Smoking services in the region, are supporting a major initiative to reduce smoking during pregnancy.

babyClear ensures every woman smoking during pregnancy is now given full, frank and factual information from a trained health professional about the harmful effects of carbon monoxide (CO) within tobacco smoke and given support to quit.

Women also receive CO screening as part of the routine tests they receive during their first appointment with midwifery staff.

Lisa Surtees, acting director of anti-smoking campaign group Fresh, said: “This is a small decrease, but an incredibly welcome sign that fewer unborn babies in our region are being exposed to the harmful effects of smoking.

“Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risks of miscarriage and stillbirth, or having a premature baby who needs lots of medical attention.

“We still have lots to do before we are down to the national average or lower, but we are moving in the right direction.

“Women need the facts, but also to know there is excellent free support to quit smoking where they will be supported and helped, not have the finger wagged at them.”

Following babyClear's launch in 2013, around 450 midwifery staff and 150 Stop Smoking Service advisers have received skills training to discuss the issues with women in a factual, blame-free way.