Mums still lighting up

A WORRYING number of Queensland women continue to smoke during pregnancy, despite warnings about the dangers to their baby.

Department of Health figures show 12.4 per cent of Queensland women smoked during pregnancy compared to 10.4 per cent for the national average.

Smoking rates were higher in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, during which 12.4 per cent of Queensland mothers smoked compared to 9.9 per cent in the second half.

The department offers a free quit program for mothers.