A top doctor has called for greater support for pregnant mothers who smoke and take drugs.

In the past 12 months a shocking 267 smokers and three heroin-dependant mums at Kingston Hospital refused to give up their addiction while pregnant, leading to the premature birth of two babies, a Comet investigation has revealed.

Further figures published by the Department of Health showed 5.6 per cent of pregnant smokers registered at Kingston PCT were still lighting up while they were pregnant.

The figures compare badly to neighbouring Richmond and Twickenham PCT with 3.5 per cent and Wandsworth at 3.8 per cent, though are well below the national average of 13.5 per cent.

Kingston GP Phil Moore warned more than half of babies born to heroin addicts arrived prematurely, with most addicted to the killer drug, and others experiencing mental health problems.

He also raised concerns over possible neglect of children born to drug-addicted mums but said condemning those who continue with their addiction while pregnant was “unhelpful”.

He said: “These women may not be in a position to look after a child as being on heroin may have other associated lifestyle problems. This is an issue for social services.

“You see it in the national news with all the negative attention Stacey Solomon received for not giving up smoking. What I see is a mum who is doing her best but is being very heavily criticised.

“This is not helpful to her or other mums trying to give up their addiction.”

Children of smokers could experience health issues, including problems breathing and feeding, and even death, an NHS website warns.

Babies are statistically likely to be smaller from mothers who smoke or take drugs, it also cautioned.

Divisional manager for women and children’s health at Kingston Hospital, Mairead McCormick said: “Women identified as being smokers are offered the hospital’s stop smoking service, which provides free, confidential advice and support to anyone living or working in the Kingston or Richmond area.

“Women with drug dependency are referred to the community drug and alcohol team in their local area, who offer a range of confidential treatment options, including advice, assessment and counselling.”