Pregnant women are being urged to get the coronavirus vaccine.

A lead researcher has assured women who are pregnant that the vaccines are safe.

A study by Oxford University found that more than 99% of pregnant women admitted to hospital who had contracted the virus, were unvaccinated.

The research also stated that the Delta variant poses a significantly higher risk of severe disease.

Chief investigator of the study, Marian Knight, said that more than 50,000 women in the UK have had a vaccine while pregnant with no concerns over safety while adding that last week, around 200 pregnant women were admitted to the hospital with covid.

She told BBC Radio 4: “I think pregnant women can be reassured about the safety of the vaccine.

“And we need to emphasise the benefits, not only to them but we know that antibodies are passed on to their babies as well, so it’s really important not just to prevent illness in you as a pregnant woman, but also to prevent the consequences of illness for your baby.”

“I cannot emphasise more strongly how important it is for pregnant women to get vaccinated in order to protect both them and their baby.”

England’s chief midwife Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent said: “Vaccines save lives, and this is another stark reminder that the Covid-19 jab can keep you, your baby and your loved ones safe and out of hospital.”

Dr Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, added: “Every day our members are seeing very sick pregnant women with Covid-19 in hospital and the majority are unvaccinated.

“We want to reassure pregnant women that Covid-19 vaccines are the safest and best way to protect you and your baby from severe illness and premature birth.”