MORE than 3,000 babies were born in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the year the coronavirus pandemic shook the world, figures show.

Office for National Statistics data shows there were 3,621 live births in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in 2020– 113 more than the year before.

It meant the fertility rate was 1.56 births per woman, higher than 1.48 in 2019.

This was broadly in line with the rate of 1.58 across England and Wales last year – the lowest since records began in 1938.

The total fertility rate is the average number of children a mother would have while she is of childbearing age, if she experienced the typical fertility rate every year.

READ MORE: Covid: 52 people admitted to Dorset hospitals in a week

READ MORE: Improvements in emergency care at Bournemouth hospitals

Lorraine Tonge, director of midwifery, said: “It is always a privilege to welcome new life and our midwives and support teams work incredibly hard to support families throughout their pregnancies, during their birth either in hospital or at home, and beyond.

“The pandemic saw us work in a way none of us were used to, with more PPE, social distancing, and changes to appointments and visiting.

“I’m so proud of the way the team worked together for our patients and for all they continue to do every day.”

Anxiety for new parents was exacerbated by restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, with many feeling isolated and facing reduced access to professional care.

The Royal College of Midwives said maternity staff made “enormous efforts” to keep as many services running as possible, but added they were already under pressure before the pandemic.

Restrictions included limitations on visiting and the amount of time partners were allowed with new mums at birth, limited choice on where to give birth and fewer in-person appointments.

Dr Mary Ross-Davie, executive director for professional midwifery, said restrictions were imposed “with a heavy heart”, but that many parents were supportive.

The NHS said the Government gave £95 million of extra funding to maternity services to meet challenges posed by the pandemic.

An NHS spokesperson said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, NHS staff worked tirelessly to ensure thousands of babies were born safely over the past year and mums have continued to receive personal, compassionate maternity care in extraordinary circumstances.”