PREGNANT women who continue to smoke during pregnancy are being targeted by health professionals.

The pressure group, Greater Manchester Action on Smoking, is targeting the hundreds of women across Bolton who smoke despite the health risks to their unborn baby.

Last year, a shock report presented by Wigan and Bolton Health Authority revealed more than a quarter of women who gave birth at Bolton's Princess Anne Maternity Unit in 1995 were smokers.

Their addiction to cigarettes has already been shown to put extra pressure on resources in the neo-natal unit which is one of the busiest in the North-west region.

At a special seminar to be held in Manchester on Tuesday, May 6, health professionals from across the region will meet to discuss the best ways to help pregnant women give up.

During pregnancy, the nicotine, carbon monoxide and other chemicals from cigarette smoke pass directly from the mother into the baby's blood supply, resulting in an increased risk of miscarriage and a greater likelihood of breathlessness in the first six months of life.

Next week's seminar, which is sponsored by the Health Education Authority and organised by Greater Manchester Action on Smoking will bring national and local experts together to look at the latest research on smoking and pregnancy with pregnant women and their partners.

Abbie Paton, Greater Manchester Action on Smoking Co-ordinator, said: "If you are pregnant, stopping smoking is probably the best thing you can do to give your baby a healthy start in life as well as improving your own health both now and in the future."

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