EFFORTS are being ramped up to encourage pregnant women to have the Covid-19 vaccine.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) say the Covid-19 does not "pass virus across the placenta to the baby".

The health board posted on Facebook: "It helps to develop antibodies to the virus so you are less likely to become unwell if you get Covid.

"As antibodies pass through the placenta it is likely that your baby will have greater protection against the virus when they are born.

"More and more pregnant women are being admitted to hospital with severe Covid-19 symptoms.

"They are not fully vaccinated or have had no vaccination at all."

According to guidance by the Royal College of Midwives, mums-to-be who become unwell with Covid in the last trimester are at risk of stillbirth.

A document states: "Becoming unwell with Covid doubles your chance of stillbirth and triples your chance of having your baby prematurely.

"It also increases your chance of you needing an emergency caesarean section."

For further information, visit bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/vaccination-faqs