Doctors warn of risks to pregnant women as UK prepares to lift pandemic restrictions

Doctors in the United Kingdom are warning of the risks to pregnant women as coronavirus pandemic restrictions are about to lift. 

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) put out the warning Thursday as all COVID-19 restrictions are set to lift on July 19, BBC reported.

The experts are telling pregnant women to get vaccinated, as they are at an increased risk of getting severely sick from the coronavirus, especially during the third trimester due to pressure on the lungs.

The organizations said the shot is safe for pregnant women and does not increase the chances of having a miscarriage.

The groups are telling unvaccinated or half-vaccinated women to continue social distancing and other measures such as masking to keep themselves safe. The doctors say it is especially important in the third trimester, according to the BBC.

“We know that those who are pregnant with COVID are at an increased risk of becoming severely ill, and the vaccine is the safest and most effective way of protecting women and their babies,” Edward Morris, RCOG president, said.

The RCOG says 58 percent of pregnant women declined to get the shot, with some blame being on the mixed messaging the women received early on in the pandemic.

“All the evidence is showing that having the COVID jab is safe during pregnancy, and I do urge you to have the vaccine to protect yourself, your baby and your family,” Gill Walton, RCM chief executive, said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says pregnant women can consult with their personal doctor about the vaccine, but they are allowed to receive it and there have been no safety concerns raised.