What happens when you quit?

Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health, and the positive effects begin almost immediately. The sooner you quit, the sooner your body begins to repair itself.

• After 20 minutes

  Check your pulse rate; it will already be starting to return to normal

• After 8 hours

  Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.

• After 48 hours

  Your carbon monoxide levels have dropped to those of a non-smoker. Your lungs are clearing out mucus, and your senses of taste and smell are improving.

• After 72 hours

  If you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also, your energy will be increasing.

• After 2 to 12 weeks

  Blood will be pumped more efficiently through your heart and muscles because your circulation has improved.

• After 3 to 9 months

  Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will improve as your lung function increases by up to 10%.

• After 1 year

  Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s.

• After 10 years

  More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s.

Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app

The NHS Quit Smoking app is designed to provide you with personalised support to help you quit smoking for good.

The app allows you to:

• track your progress
• see how much you’re saving
• get daily support
• get inspired by others

Once you reach 28 days smoke-free, you’re much more likely to quit for good!

What you need to know

The Facts

• There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
• A major study conducted in Sweden in 2024, involving 2.4 million children, found no evidence that paracetamol causes autism in pregnancy.
• Untreated pain and fever can pose real risks to the unborn baby, so it is crucial to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment. Paracetamol continues to be the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed.
• Patients should not swap to alternatives such as ibuprofen, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally not recommended during pregnancy

Is paracetamol safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes. Current evidence supports the safe use of paracetamol during pregnancy when used as directed.  This advice has been consistent for many years. 

The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) regularly reviews the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy to ensure that the benefits to the patient and unborn baby outweigh any risks.

Paracetamol is recommended by NHS guidance as the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women, to be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration. If pain does not resolve, then patients are advised to seek advice from their healthcare professional.

Should pregnant women stop taking paracetamol?

No. Pregnant women should continue to follow current medical guidance.

Paracetamol remains a recommended painkiller during pregnancy when used as directed. Women with concerns should speak to their healthcare professional rather than stopping medication without medical advice.