Midwives and healthcare professionals in north Cumbria are advising those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy to consider getting the vaccine as soon as possible if they have not yet been vaccinated.

It is becoming clear that not being vaccinated against COVID-19 is leaving many women and babies vulnerable to serious complications should they contract the virus.  New national data shows the overwhelming majority of pregnant women hospitalised with the virus have not had a jab; whilst new figures, released, also reveal that no pregnant women with both doses of the vaccine had been admitted to hospital.

In pregnant women with symptoms of COVID-19, it is twice as likely that their baby will be born early, exposing the baby to the risk of prematurity. Recent studies have also found that pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of birth were more likely to develop pre-eclampsia, need an emergency caesarean and had higher rates of stillbirth; however, the actual increases remain low.

Associate Director of Midwifery for North Cumbria Integrated Care, Amanda Kennett said:  

“Our main aim is to keep the women and babies we care for safe, the evidence shows that having the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to keep both women and babies protected against COVID-19. If you have questions, please talk to your midwife or GP, we are here to help”  

Health bosses in the region are also encouraging women who are planning a pregnancy, are in the immediate postnatal period or breastfeeding to also have their vaccine as soon as possible. There is no evidence linked to having the jab and fertility and there is no reason to stop breastfeeding in order to have the vaccine.  

Rachel Fulton, Matron for maternity services at NCIC, said:   

“We know that women only want the best for their babies, and we want to support them in making these decisions. We offer pregnant women lots of vaccines to protect them and their babies during the course of pregnancy. The COVID-19 vaccine is no different, vaccines save lives, the COVID-19 jab can keep you, your baby and your loved ones, safe and out of hospital”

Any pregnant women who have questions or concerns about the vaccine can speak to their GP, midwife or obstetrician to get more information and advice. Even if they have previously declined the vaccine, they can book an appointment to get their jab on the NHS National Booking Service website or call 119 between 7am and 11pm.

Pregnant women are advised to talk to their midwives or GP if they want more information.

A list of drop-ins (you don’t need an appointment) can be found here https://northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/dropins