A new NHS Lanarkshire social media campaign is encouraging pregnant women to quit smoking.

The health board's Quit Your Way team has united with Public Health Scotland, NHS 24, and health boards across the country in a bid to raise awareness of the free support available to pregnant women and their families.

The campaign underlines the urgent need for action, highlighting that tobacco dependency during pregnancy is the biggest preventable cause of harm to babies in Scotland.

Read more:

Celtic fan admits mocking the Ibrox disaster at an Old Firm game

Videos from NHS Lanarkshire stop smoking adviser, Sara Geldart, illustrate the risks of smoking during pregnancy and the support, guidance, and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy offered by the NHS Quit Your Way service.

The initiative also extends its support to partners and family members wishing to quit together.

The aim is to empower expectant mothers and their families to take this positive step for their health and their baby's future.

Tracy Henderson, health improvement senior at the Quit Your Way specialist pregnancy service, NHS Lanarkshire, said: "Tobacco dependency is a long-term medical condition, and nicotine is very addictive.

"When a woman smokes during pregnancy, or when she is exposed to second-hand smoke, oxygen to the baby is restricted, making the baby's heartbeat faster and exposing the baby to harmful toxins.

"As a result, smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy is responsible for an increased rate of stillbirth, miscarriage and birth defects.

"Protecting both mum and baby's health from tobacco smoke is one of the best things to give a child a healthy start in life, it's never too late during pregnancy to quit."

Cheryl Clark, director of midwifery, NHS Lanarkshire, said: "Our staff strive to deliver the best care possible for new babies and parents.

"Midwives carry out a simple carbon monoxide breath test at the booking appointment and at key points throughout pregnancy.

"At any stage, women can also request a carbon monoxide test or ask to be referred to the Quit Your Way team for support."

A Motherwell resident who quit smoking with support from the service said: "As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to stop smoking.

"My midwife told me about the Quit Your Way service and referred me. I received a call from them a couple of days later.

"I was really happy that they called as I would have found it difficult to do it on my own. I received phone support, and they posted patches to my house for me.

"With the money I have saved, I have been buying clothes and toys for my baby girl.

"It makes me feel better knowing that I am able to spend money on my baby instead of smoking, as the cost of cigarettes is extortionate."

Quit Your Way is a free NHS stop smoking service.

To find out more information on the specialist pregnancy stop smoking service, call the Quit Your Way helpline on 0800 84 84 84 or visit NHS Inform's Smoking and Pregnancy webpage, where there is also an option to select your health board and leave your contact details for the team to get back in touch with you.

Quit Your Way can be contacted Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for free stop smoking support.