Who we are
The Group is a partnership between the Royal College of Midwives, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the voluntary sector and academia. It presented its first report and recommendations in June 2013 and continues to meet annually to review progress.
The Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group is jointly chaired by Dr. Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands, and Professor Linda Bauld of the SPECTRUM Research Consortium and the University of Edinburgh.
The case for action
When a woman smokes during pregnancy or when she is exposed to secondhand smoke, oxygen to the baby is restricted making the babies heart work faster and exposing the baby to harmful toxins. As a result, exposure to smoke in pregnancy is responsible for an increased rate of stillbirths, miscarriages and birth defects. The table below highlights the impact of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke in pregnancy:
| Maternal smoking | Secondhand smoke exposure | |
| Low birthweight | 2 times more likely | Average 30-40g lighter |
| Heart defects | 25% more likely | Increased risk |
| Stillbirth | 47% more likely | Possible increase |
| Preterm birth | 27% more likely | Possible increase |
| Miscarriage | 32% more likely | Increased risk |
| Sudden infant death | 3 times more likely | 45% more likely |
Sources: Zhao L et al. Parental smoking and the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring: An updated meta-analysis of observational studies. 2020; RCP. Hiding in plain sight: treating tobacco dependency in the NHS. 2018; Pineless BL et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of miscarriage and maternal exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy. 2014; RCP & RCPCH. Passive Smoking and Children. 2010.
Challenge Group membership organisations
- Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
- Best beginnings
- Bliss
- Faculty of Public Health
- Family Nurse Partnership
- Fresh
- Institute of Health Visiting
- Lullaby Trust
- National Centre for Smoking Cessation Training
- National Children's Trust
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Midwives
- Royal College of Nursing
- Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
- Royal Society for Public Health
- Sands
- SPECTRUM Consortium
- Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre
- Tommy's
- Unite the Union
- UK Preconception Partnership