A Mother’s Determination to Stay Smoke-Free During Pregnancy
Adele Brannan, a 32-year-old mother from North Tyneside, made a powerful decision to stay away from smoking during her pregnancy. This choice was deeply influenced by a promise she had made to her late mother, who passed away just three weeks after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Adele had previously been a social smoker but feared that the emotional toll of her mother’s death might lead her back to the habit. However, her resolve to keep her promise and protect her unborn child became a driving force in her journey to quit smoking for good.
Adele described her mother as a “massive miss” with a “heart of gold.” She emphasized that not smoking was crucial for both her own health and the well-being of her baby. But for her, there was an additional motivation: a personal vow to her mother, who had also quit smoking before passing away. Adele believed that her commitment to staying smoke-free was not only about her own health but also about inspiring others to make the same choice.
Her journey to quit smoking was not easy, especially during a time of immense emotional strain. The woman, who had smoked since the age of 18, found herself struggling with anxiety and mental health challenges when her mother was diagnosed. Although she was not smoking at the time of her pregnancy, the stress of her mother’s illness made her fear that she might relapse. Fortunately, the support from the local stop smoking service played a vital role in helping her stay on track.
Adele credited vaping as a key factor in maintaining her smoke-free status. She said, “It was such a shock, and I really struggled with my mental health. Had it not been for the vapes, I definitely would have started smoking again.” Her midwife reassured her that using a vape was a safer alternative during this challenging time, and she felt relieved that she remained smoke-free when she discovered she was pregnant.
Progress in Reducing Smoking Rates
The efforts of individuals like Adele have contributed to a significant decline in smoking rates among pregnant women in the North East and North Cumbria. According to data released by NHS Digital, 7.8% of women in the region were smoking at the time of delivery in 2024-25, compared to 13.1% in 2020/21—a reduction of more than 40%.
This progress is partly due to the work of the North East campaign group Fresh, which has collaborated with health teams across the region to lower smoking rates and provide support to expectant mothers. Smoking during pregnancy is considered the leading modifiable risk factor for complications such as miscarriage and stillbirth.
In response, Fresh, along with local authorities and the North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board, has launched the Declaration for a Smokefree Future. This initiative aims to eliminate the harms caused by smoking and promote a healthier future for all. Additionally, the NHS offers Tobacco Dependency Treatment Services to help patients remain smoke-free while in hospital.
A Significant Drop in Smoking Rates
The impact of these efforts is evident in the declining numbers. In the wider North East and North Cumbria region, smoking rates at the time of birth dropped from 19.8% in 2010 to 7.8% in 2024/2025. South Tyneside, which has seen the most significant reduction, went from 25.1% to 8.6%. Despite this progress, the target remains to bring the rate down to just six per cent.
Adele and others like her are working to encourage more people to make the choice to quit smoking. Their stories highlight the importance of personal commitment, community support, and accessible resources in helping individuals achieve a smoke-free life.
