From 1 October 2026, a new UK Vaping Products Duty begins and duty stamps start appearing on retail vape packaging. Here’s what the change means in Wales — and what it does not tell you about a product.
Information / Smoking & pregnancy
Pregnant and smoking? Support is here.
Stopping smoking at any point in pregnancy benefits you and your baby. You do not have to do it alone, and you do not need to feel judged before asking for help.
Last reviewed: 23rd September 2026
THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT
It is not too late.
The sooner you stop, the better, but stopping later in pregnancy still brings benefits. Nicotine withdrawal can feel uncomfortable, but quitting does not harm your baby.
Why stopping helps
Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide and many other harmful chemicals. Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen available to a developing baby.
Stopping smoking reduces the risk of complications including premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage or stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome.
What Help Me Quit offers
- free, non-judgmental specialist support
- a personalised quit plan
- licensed NRT such as patches or gum
- ongoing encouragement during pregnancy
You can also text HMQ to 80818.
Smoking in pregnancy in Wales
The latest Welsh Government maternity statistics are for 2025. These are recorded smoking-status figures, not a judgement on individual pregnancies. Differences by age and circumstance sit within the wider picture of smoking and health inequalities in Wales.
12%
recorded as smokers at initial assessment
Wales, 2025.
11%
recorded as smokers at birth
Wales, 2025.
25%
of pregnant women under 20 recorded as smokers at assessment
Wales, 2025. Smoking rates were lower in older age groups.
Recorded smoking rates were the lowest on record in 2025. Changes in carbon monoxide monitoring and self-reporting mean trends over time should still be interpreted with some care.
What can I use to help me stop?
You do not have to choose between continuing to smoke and coping with cravings on your own.
Nicotine replacement therapy
Licensed NRT such as patches and gum can be used during pregnancy when it helps someone stop smoking. It gives nicotine without the damaging chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Ask your midwife, Help Me Quit adviser, GP or pharmacist which product and strength are suitable for you.
What about vaping?
There is less research on vaping in pregnancy than on licensed NRT, so NRT is the recommended first option. Read our detailed guide to vaping in pregnancy.
If the alternative is continuing to smoke, a pregnant adult who chooses to use a vape to stop smoking should be supported to do so. Vaping is safer for them and their baby than continuing to smoke cigarettes.
What if someone else at home smokes?
Second-hand smoke matters during pregnancy too. The best protection is for the home and car to be completely smoke-free.
If a partner or family member smokes, they can get free Help Me Quit support as well. Supporting each other can also make it easier to keep smoking out of the home.
You can ask for help today
Help Me Quit has specialist maternity support across Wales. There is no need to wait until the next appointment if you want to get started now.