A worrying number of Queensland women are continuing to smoke during pregnancy, despite years of warnings about the dangers to their baby.
Figures released by the Department of Health show 12.4 per cent of Queensland women smoked during pregnancy compared to 10.4 per cent for the national average.
"There is no safe level of smoking - the more cigarettes you smoke while pregnant, the more harm you do to yourself and your baby," Queensland Health's Preventative Health Branch Executive Director Kaye Pulsford said on Thursday.
"Numerous studies have shown smoking during pregnancy can lead to a range of complications, including an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth and unexpected death in infants - just to name a few."
Smoking rates were higher in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, where 12.4 per cent of Queensland mothers smoked compared to 9.9 per cent in the second half.
The health department offers a free quit program for expecting mothers and their partners, which 415 women completed last year.
Queensland mum Perri Weeks smoked from age 11 but decided to quit to ensure the health of her unborn daughter.
"Quitting wasn't easy but it's worth it," Ms Weeks said.
