Published on 17 July 2026
Liverpool has met the national ambition to reduce smoking during pregnancy, with provisional figures showing that 4.6% of women were smoking when they gave birth in 2025/26 — below the national target of 5%.
The latest NHS England data also shows Liverpool has made faster progress than both the North West and England as a whole over the past decade - reducing the risk of cancer to mums and mums-to-be.
Rates of maternal smoking at delivery in Liverpool have fallen from 16.2% in 2015/16, when 937 mothers were recorded as smoking, to 4.6% in 2025/26, when the figure was 180 mothers. This represents a 72% reduction.
Over the same period, smoking at the time of delivery fell by:
- 72% in Liverpool
- 66% in the North West
- 62% across England
The figures are included in NHS England’s new Smoking Status at Time of Delivery report, which records the number of women known to be smoking when they give birth.
Health leaders welcomed the progress but said continued action is needed to ensure every baby has the healthiest possible start in life.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “These figures are something Liverpool can be proud of. Reaching the national target and reducing smoking in pregnancy by 72% over the last decade is a real achievement. It reflects the commitment of our maternity services, stop smoking teams and partner organisations, as well as the determination of women and families across the city.
“But we know there is no safe level of smoking during pregnancy. Every family deserves the best possible start, so we’ll keep investing in services that help people quit and make sure support is available to everyone who needs it.”
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said: “These results show that our long-term approach is making a real difference, but we can’t be complacent. Smoking during pregnancy remains one of the biggest preventable risks to the health of mothers and babies, and every woman who quits gives her baby a healthier start in life.
“The good news is that no one has to do it alone. Support for pregnant women is available through a dedicated team at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. We would encourage anyone who is pregnant and smoking to speak to their midwife.”
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and babies being born with a low birth weight. Quitting at any stage of pregnancy improves the health of both mother and baby.
Expectant mothers in Liverpool can access dedicated stop smoking support through Liverpool Women’s Hospital Maternity Services, which runs a specialised Smoke-Free Pregnancy Programme.
Support is also available for the families of pregnant smokers through the Smokefree Liverpool community stop smoking service, helping the whole family quit together. The service also offers ongoing support to new mothers to maintain their quit and prevent relapse after they leave hospital.
Visit www.smokefreeliverpool.co.uk or call 0151 374 2535 to speak to an adviser.