Pregnant woman are understandably concerned about how COVID 19 might affect their pregnancy and whether or not they are in a high risk group.
Evidence from around the world has shown that they are right to be concerned as more pregnant women have been admitted to hospital and intensive care than matched, non pregnant women.
Initially, with a lack of evidence, there was quite understandable concern about vaccinating pregnant women, but with emerging evidence this position has now been completely reversed and we are actively encouraging all pregnant women to be vaccinated and boosted.
UK Obstetric surveillance system (UKOSS) finds that Obstetric women are at increased risk of admission to intensive care compared to their age matched non pregnant counterparts. They are more likely to be admitted to intensive care and to be ventilated. Pregnant women are most vulnerable in the third trimester. Other population based risk factors such as maternal age, raised BMI, diabetes and hypertension, also apply in pregnant women.
Babies are at increased risk of prematurity and growth restriction and there is also an increased risk of stillbirth.
UKOSS data of our experience to date has now shown that of those women admitted to hospital with Covid only 1.4% had not been double vaccinated and that there were no admissions to intensive care and no deaths in those pregnant women who had been double vaccinated.
The vaccine has been found to be safe for pregnant women and it does not negatively affect the unborn baby. In fact maternal antibodies produced in response to vaccination cross the placenta and are also found in breast milk, potentially offering some protection to the newborn baby.
Our message is now very simple and very clear:
It is very important to get the vaccine if you are pregnant. Get the vaccine to protect yourself and your unborn child.
Also take other measures. Stay away from crowded, poorly ventilated places, wear a face mask and regularly sanitise your hands.
We continue to monitor the UK and global data as it emerges and will update this website information accordingly.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss a private delivery or private Caesarean, we encourage video or telephone consultations for antenatal visits where possible. Some appointments, requiring a scan, blood tests or examination, will still need to be face to face.
Please feel free to get in touch. Stay safe.
