Angela, who works at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, leads the maternity team on the Smoking in Pregnancy Pathway.
She said: “The best thing you can do for you and your baby is to quit smoking.”
The Smoking in Pregnancy Pathway is a programme of support options that connects women to Wirral’s stop smoking service, ABL.
Funded by Wirral Council Public Health, ABL offers personalised help to anyone trying to quit, including pregnant women.
Angela said: “Smoking is the single biggest modifiable risk factor during pregnancy.
“This means, it’s the biggest risk to yours and your baby’s health that, unlike some other risk factors, is in your power to change.
“If you smoke while pregnant it carries lots of risks for yourself and your baby including miscarriage and preterm birth.
“Your baby can also struggle to grow and have difficulty breathing at birth, with increased risk of asthma in childhood.
“There’s also a risk of high blood pressure and respiratory problems for yourself, along with risks of bleeding and problems with your placenta.”
She stressed that quitting smoking at any stage of pregnancy can make a difference.
Angela said: “We’ve had people who have had multiple quit attempts in pregnancy, people who’ve tried to quit in the past and been unsuccessful.
“Whatever their story, we always say to never give up.
“Trying again can work.
“It’s about motivating mums to have another go.”
Even exposure to second-hand smoke can put mothers and babies at risk, she warned.
Angela said: “Living with somebody who smokes can give a pregnant person a high carbon monoxide (CO) level and give you the same risks as smoking.”
She wants women to know that help is available all year round.
Angela said: “Stoptober is a great time to talk about smoking and help people quit, but we offer this support 365 days a year.
“If you’re pregnant, speak to your midwife and they can refer you to get help to quit.”