FATHERS will be allowed into antenatal and postnatal wards at a county hospital, as lockdown measures are eased.

Before the change - at Worcestershire Royal Hospital - partners were only allowed to be present at the moment of birth.

However, restrictions are still in place and visitors still do not have the same freedom of movement they would have had before the lockdown began in March.

In terms of the antenatal ward, the partner can be present during the induction of labour between 10am and 6pm and are allowed to visit a woman even not in labour, between 4pm and 6pm.

After the birth, one birth partner can visit the ward for a single session of between two hours between the hours of 10am-12 or 4pm - 6pm.

Parents-to-be have reacted to the news on the Facebook page of the Worcester News.

Anna Rolińska said: “That’s great news. Letting birthing partners be allowed at the triage will take pressure off of the delivery ward.

“As so many women wanted to have husbands by their sides for as long as they could after the birth there were no beds available at the delivery ward.”

Lucy Bond: “Any changes to make the maternity journey more accessible to partners/support networks is much needed.

“Whilst understanding the precautions are there for a very good reason, having attended all scans and appointments solo up to now has been nerve-wracking, especially at key points such as the first scan.”

Gemma Sandbrook said: “I had a baby during lockdown. Personally, I had the best experience - I went to triage on my own while partner waited outside.

“My partner didn’t miss a thing and I’m glad those precautions were in place because not everyone is honest in regards to if they have symptoms or not.”

Megan Atherton joked: “Am I the only mom who enjoyed giving birth and having no visitors including hubby during lockdown?”

Bekki Jade Edwards said: “My partner was only allowed at the birth then sent him home after.

“All I could do was FaceTime and take photos of her.

“I had to stay in a week as well and wasn’t allowed to see anyone. It was the worst feeling ever and I was continuously in tears as I felt alone in a room on my own.”