Health chiefs have revised current coronavirus guidelines so pregnant women can have a partner by their side during maternity appointments, labour and after birth.
The new rules drawn up by the NHS mean mums-to-be in England are now allowed to have one person with them throughout their pregnancy, during labour, birth and their immediate postnatal period as long as their support partner is not showing any symptoms of coronavirus.
Previous restrictions forced some expectant mums to attend baby scans and midwife appointments alone. The rules varied depending on where they lived.
Under the new restrictions published on Monday in a document called 'Supporting pregnant women using maternity services during the coronavirus pandemic: Actions for