NEARLY one-in-seven expectant mothers in north-east Essex smoked during their pregnancy, it has emerged. Figures show 14.9% of women smoked between July and September last year, up from 14.3% the previous quarter. North East Essex PCT called the statistics “fantastic” - it said three years ago the percentage of expectant mothers smoking sat at 22.5. But the percentage for Colchester and Tendring is still higher than the regional (12.5%) and national (12.7%) figure for the same period. The Department of Health’s target is to reduce the percentage of expectant mothers smoking to 11% by 2015. Smoking through pregnancy can cause significant harm to the baby, including an increased risk of m... [Read more]