NHS Lanarkshire is urging pregnant women to ensure they get vaccinated against Covid-19 to protect themselves and their babies against the impact of the virus.
Health officials emphasise that the vaccine is strongly recommended in pregnancy and for those planning to have a baby, due to the risks that the virus poses for expectant mothers.
Data from Public Health Scotland revealed that 98 per cent of pregnant women in intensive care with coronavirus were unvaccinated; and the NHS says that if a pregnant woman gets Covid with symptoms, it is three times more likely that the baby will be born early.
NHS Lanarkshire’s chief midwife, Cheryl Clark, said: “Vaccination is the best way to protect women and their babies against the known risks of Covid-19 in pregnancy.
“It is important that pregnant women get the vaccine as soon as possible. It is best to get both doses before the third trimester, and the booster dose, to ensure maximum protection.
“For those breastfeeding, you can continue to breastfeed as normal after vaccination.”
Pregnant women have been classed as a priority group by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Covid vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective and evidence has shown that there are no pregnancy-related safety concerns.
There is also no evidence that shows an impact of the vaccine on fertility, and the NHS have said that there is no need to avoid pregnancy after being vaccinated.