STILLBIRTHS DOUBLED DURING FIRST WAVE OF THE PANDEMIC

The number of stillbirths in England almost doubled during lockdown, a medical watchdog has revealed.

There were 40 cases between April and June this year compared to 24 in the same period in 2019, according to the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB).

The HSIB - which has launched a review into the rise - fears women were put off seeking treatment because of Covid-19 and the 'stay home' and 'protect the NHS' messaging.

Leading obstetricians said redeploying maternity staff to ICU wards during the first wave may have also played a role.

The first lockdown, while successful in protecting the NHS from being overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients, had a catastrophic effect on healthcare across the board.