A new report has shown that nine out of ten women who were pregnant in Ireland this year were not able to have their partner present at all of their scans and appointment.
HSE guidelines have been issued nationwide in recent weeks, telling hospitals to allow for access during some appointments, labour and C sections.
This was a lifting of restrictions that had been in place since the pandemic began.
However, there are reports that some hospitals are not following the guidelines.
And the report, produced by Zahra, revealed that despite the loosening of restrictions on maternity hospitals, 93% of women pregnant in 2021 did not have the option to have their partner present at all appointments.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that the restrictions preventing partners from attending maternity scans, births and other procedures are "unacceptable".
He told Newstalk Breakfast: "It's unacceptable at this stage. We've made it clear to the HSE, the HSE has made it clear at senior level to the hospitals, guidelines have been issued. Given the level of vaccination, there shouldn't be those restrictions on partners or mothers in maternity hospitals across the country in terms of scans and things."
The Zahra report also revealed that the recent rise in temperatures has been key in lifting spirits this summer, with three quarters (76%) of respondents stating the sunnier spells have had a positive impact on maintaining mental health during the pandemic.
The good weather has also been key for improving our physical health, with 42% claiming it has encouraged them to exercise more than usual.
While the pandemic has caused a stir across all aspects of day-to-day life, the research shows the majority have managed to maintain their sex life, with 70% stating the pandemic has not impacted intimacy.
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