The figures, released by the Health Department, show that around 16 per cent of pregnant women smoked at the time of their first pregnancy appointment, which is usually in the first eight to ten weeks of pregnancy.

In the UK, 10.6 per cent of women were found to be smoking at the end of their pregnancy.

Jersey does not currently measure how many women smoke around the time of giving birth. However, health officials have confirmed that there are plans to collect that data in the future.

Exposure to carbon monoxide during pregnancy is harmful, as it can reduce the amount of oxygen the baby receives and can cause stunted growth, premature birth and health complications for the baby.

Information on stopping smoking can be found via www.nosmokingday.org.uk Smokers in Jersey who want to find out more about Help2Quit can call 0800 7351155.

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