Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to deliver their babies early or with low birth weight, even if they are full term. Babies whose mothers smoke during pregnancy or who are exposed to secondhand smoke after birth are also more likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, through the Get Healthy Philly initiative is committed to reducing the number of pregnant and post-partum women who use tobacco products as a part of the overall goal to reduce tobacco use in Philadelphia.
A national report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cites that 7.2% of women who gave birth in 2016 smoked cigarettes while pregnant. However Pennsylvania reports a much higher rate at 11.5%; disturbingly greater than the national prevalence.
Healthy Choices, Healthy Children: Smoke-Free Moms is a campaign sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Tobacco Prevention to promote the use of the PA Free Quitline for pregnant women and mothers of children and youth.
The campaign, which runs until June 30, 2019, offers special incentives to pregnant women before and after delivery, with rewards for each completed call to the Quitline. Just mention “Smoke Free Moms” when you make the call.
All callers to the PA Free Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) receive a personalized quit plan, educational materials on quitting tobacco use, and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), if eligible.
Quitting smoking and reducing the exposure to second and third hand smoke are the important things you can do for your health and the health of your loved ones. Call the PA Free Quitline today to get started.
There is also a FREE tobacco education training available for early education providers. Click here to learn more.