The pandemic is adding significantly to the anxiety faced by many pregnant women, a charity warned today.
About half of women who become pregnant now report anxiety, according to a survey conducted by the charity Tommy’s.
It released its findings at the time of year when conceptions reach their peak, leading to 26 September being the most common day for births.
In the survey 14% of women said they struggled with feelings of being overwhelmed through pregnancy and 70% said they felt overwhelmed “at some point.”
As well as COVID-related anxiety, women continue to face common myths such as eating “for two” and a little bit of alcohol is fine, the charity said.
NHS England chief midwifery officer Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent said: “It’s absolutely vital that every pregnant woman is empowered during pregnancy with the trusted information and support they need for a safe and healthy pregnancy.”
Kate Marsh, from Tommy’s, said: “Knowledge is power – and when it comes to pregnancy, feeling confident you have everything you need to do the right thing for you and your baby is important – but there is such a thing as too much information, which can leave mums-to-be anxious and overwhelmed.
“Expectant parents need advice they can trust and personally tailored support throughout their pregnancy journey, not myths and misconceptions that evidence has disproved.”
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