Uncertainty over the effects of Covid-19 vaccination has resulted in a low uptake from pregnant women in the Isle of Man.

Midwives and healthcare professionals are now urging women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy to register for the vaccine to protect themselves from the virus.

Hayley Prescott, aged 29, from Douglas, is nine months pregnant with her first child. She told the Isle of Man Examiner about her experience.

She said: ’I made the decision right at the start that I would wait.

’My midwives were very supportive. This was before pregnant women were being asked to get the vaccine.

’There was nothing out there about what the risks could be to a newborn. I thought, "if I’m not even supposed to have a cup of coffee, would a vaccine be safe?" There was very little information.

’I finished work six weeks ago at 34 weeks and Covid cases were rising. It was just getting worse and worse. I decided to shield.

’Then we got up to something like 3,000 cases and I thought there’s probably more risk from catching Covid, being in my third trimester and being asthmatic.

’I had my first dose of the vaccine at 38 weeks on July 26 when the advice had changed and we were being urged to get the vaccine. However, I was turned away from the last drop-in clinic as there wasn’t any left.

’I explained that pregnant women were now being urged to get it and somehow, by an incredibly helpful member of staff, I was taken in and given a vaccine.’

Bethany Crellin, a 28-year-old vet from Onchan, is 22 weeks pregnant. She had her first vaccine at the end of June and is due to receive the second dose in three weeks’ time.

She said: ’Earlier in my pregnancy there was no Covid in the community and I was told I could have the vaccination if I wanted it but the risk was low. Then when I went for my 16-week appointment and was told we were previously in a "safe" situation but now things were different.

’All of a sudden, I should get the vaccine. I was very worried about it but I did a lot of my own research and I’m very glad that I decided to have it.’

Hayley was also anxious about getting vaccinated. She said: ’Walking into it, I was just terrified.

’Had I made the right decision? I’m making a decision for two people.’

A Douglas woman who asked not to be named said she had decided against having the vaccine during pregnancy, but changed her mind after doing her own research on the risks of Covid to the mother during the third trimester.

She said: ’I found the government briefing on June 17 upsetting. It felt like a bullying tactic to have the vaccine as soon as possible, since they said there was no guarantee there would be vaccines available if I chose to wait until after the birth of my baby.

’My baby was due last week and it turns out there are plenty of vaccines still available.

’One of the most unsettling and stressful things I have found is the conflicting message about learning to live with it, yet with restrictions still in place for healthcare and going into labour. If my partner tests positive for Covid, he can’t be at the birth. If I’m positive, I would labour in a separate Covid area which would rule out some of my birth preferences.

’This is what has made me feel highly anxious, far more than the worry of actually getting Covid myself. As the cases rise, more and more people we know have tested positive which makes us feel even more shut away, lonely and isolated at an already vulnerable time.’

Head of midwifery at Noble’s Hospital Barbara Roberts said she was encouraging all women at all stages of their pregnancy to consider getting the vaccine.

She said: ’Studies have shown that the vaccines are safe for both the expectant mothers and their unborn child, with the benefits of the vaccine outweighing the risks of falling ill from the virus.

’Our team all have access to the latest guidance issued from RCOG and are available on 650030 to discuss any worries or queries women or their partners may have.’

Pregnant women or those considering pregnancy should call 111 to register their interest for the vaccine and to let the team know they are pregnant so appropriate bookings can be made.