The pregnancy outcomes for babies and mothers have got worse during the pandemic, according to a study led by St George's University.

The study which was led by Professor Asama Khalil pulls in data from 40 studies over 17 countries.

The findings, published in The Lancet Global Health Journal, found that stillbirth and mortality rates increased by one-third during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to life before.

Maternal mental health also worsened, with six out of ten studies in the analysis reporting postnatal depression, maternal anxiet, or both.

The outcomes were worse in lower-income countries and researchers have said that action needs to be taken now to preserve safe maternity care worldwide.

Professor Asma Khalil, lead author of the study from St George's University, said:

"The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on healthcare systems around the world.

"Disruption to services, nationwide lockdowns, and fear of attending health care facilities mean that the adverse effects of Covid-19 are expected to have health consequences that extend beyond the deaths and disease caused by the virus itself."

You can find out more about this important study by visiting here.

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