Kent has the highest number of pregnant smokers in the south east.

In west Kent, 14.1 per cent of pregnant women were still smoking by the time their baby was born, while in east Kent the number was even higher at 21.1 per cent.

Both of these figures were higher than the south east's overall average - 13 per cent.

The NHS are now targeting these women with a campaign that calls on members of the public to encourage pregnant smokers to quit instead of judging them for their habit.

According to statistics released by the NHS Stop Smoking Service, 48 per cent of people in the region are critical of women who smoke while expecting a child.

The figures, which were gathered by Continental Research on behalf of the Department of Health between January 12 and January 27 this year, also suggest one in four pregnant smokers neglect to seek help for their habit because they are worried about being judged.

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A further third of pregnant smokers say they sometimes hide their habit due to worries over criticism, while 39 per cent are too ashamed to admit they smoke to their midwife.

Ex-smoker Chantelle Hankin, 37, from Strood, who is six-months pregnant with her third child, said: "People do judge women who smoke while they’re pregnant, which made me initially concerned about admitting I needed help.

"When I approached my local NHS Stop Smoking Service, however, they were incredibly helpful and encouraging. I’ve been smoke free for over two months now and haven’t looked back."

~ Listen: Chantelle Hankin talks to KentOnline's Caroline McGuire >>>

Sally Underdown works for the NHS stop smoking in pregnancy service in west Kent and explained why it is difficult for pregnant women to come forward and get help.

She said: "I think it's all about awareness. There is a worry of judgement on some pregnant women and it's important to get that rapport in place.

"It's much harder for pregnant women to quit than someone who isn't. They've got all of this extra blood circulation on board, so they're actually metabolising their nicotine more quickly.

"On top of that there is stress, including financial, housing and relationship problems and sometimes they need to work towards dealing with those as well as trying to give up smoking so we offer a whole support package."

Joanne Locker, south east regional tobacco policy manager said: "We see lots of pregnant women who are worried about trying to stop smoking and feel they don’t have the support or anyone to talk to about it.

"We’re making sure they see there is plenty of help on offer, from pregnancy focused one-to-one or group support sessions at their local NHS Stop Smoking Service or the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline giving friendly advice and support - we work together to find the best solution for them."

Research shows that every cigarette smoked restricts the essential oxygen supply to an unborn baby, meaning their heart has to beat harder every time a pregnant woman smokes.

• To get more information about quitting while pregnant, call The NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 9 169.