ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- The research is plain and simple on smoking while pregnant. The risk of complications spike for things like premature delivery, low birth weight babies, still birth and sudden infant death syndrome.

For women who smoke, only one in five are able to quit while pregnant. Kings Daughter's Medical Center in Ashland is hoping a new program aimed specifically at pregnant smokers can get women to quit for good.

Wednesday, we caught up with Tabitha Shenett, who was in for a checkup at KDMC. She says it's been tough.

"I tried ultra-lights, but that didn't work," Tabitha Shenett said about her smoking habit.

Before going in, she had a cigarette . She's still smoking a pack a week.

"I've had people tell me, it's not good to be smoking and be pregnant. I'm like, yes, I know, I've tried to quit but it don't work and this and that, but it's like I've just tried my hardest just to quit," Shenett said.

KDMC is starting a new quit smoking program for pregnant moms only. The goal is to get these mothers in without embarassment of judgment about their battle.

Mary Adams is a nurse. Keep in mind when an expectant mom smokes, she's smoking for two.

"If you breast feed, you're continuing to give nicotine to your baby. A lot of people don't understand the nicotine withdrawl systems. They go through the same symptoms the mother does," Mary Adams said.

Doctor Richard Ford has taken an active role in trying to reduce the number of low birth weight and premature babies seen at the hospital. He's helping with a March of Dimes study in Kentucky.

Statistics show more than 60% of newborns in intensive care at KDMC come from smoking moms. Quitting smoking reduces a bassinet full of risk factors.

"It is the single most modifiable risk factor for prematurity, low birth weight, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, neurological impairment, cognitive impairment and injury to a new born," Doctor Richard Ford said.

Tabitha is now hoping for new found strength and guidance that could make a difference for her unborn child.

If you're interested, KDMC is offering classes for smoking moms. The best part is they are absolutely free. The classes are every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 in the evening starting next week.