Released on: 20 July 2011
All pregnant women should be tested for smoking so that they can be given quitting advice if necessary, says NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
The health watchdog said carbon monoxide tests should be carried out on every expectant mother. If implemented, every woman would have the breath test at her first antenatal appointment.
NCT comment on NICE guidelines
Rosie Dodds, Senior Public Policy Officer, NCT says;
"We welcome these guidelines as long as they are offered to women in a positive and non-judgemental way. As long as women are listened too, they could be seen as supportive intervention.
“Any measure that helps women to give up smoking can only be a good thing for them and their baby."