THE NUMBER of women across Airedale smoking in the final stages of pregnancy has fallen, new figures reveal.

Statistics show that in the first quarter of 2015-16, 53 of the 432 expectant mothers in the region – 12.3 per cent – still classed themselves as smokers.

The figure, which relates to the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group area, is down from 12.9 per cent in the previous quarter.

Data released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre shows that across the Bradford district, the number rose.

Between April and the end of June, 15 per cent of expectant mothers – 315 out of 2,080 – were smoking.

The figure was up from 278 out of 1,964 mothers, a rate of 14 per cent, for the three months to the end of March.

Dr Shirley Brierley, consultant in public health at Bradford Council, said pregnant women were asked about their smoking status and given a carbon monoxide screening during their first appointment with a midwife.

“The public health department works with local GPs, hospitals, children’s centres and other partners to provide stop smoking support to women who are pregnant or planning to have a baby,” she said.

“Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life.

“This is one of the key areas of focus for 2015-16 within the Every Baby Matters Action plan, which aims to reduce infant deaths and improve maternal and child health.”