A mother is calling for hospitals to ease labour restrictions, as she says she feels anxious about soon giving birth.

That is why Abbots Langley mother, Sarah Mullord, is backing a national petition to allow partners to stay by their side for the entirety of labour or birth in all hospitals.

Current restrictions at the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust allows one named birth partner for a limited time during the entire birthing process, due to coronavirus safety concerns.

For the duration of labour, one named birth partner is allowed, but after birth no visitors are allowed on the postnatal ward.

No visitors are allowed at the antenatal ward, or during the triage, maternity day assessment unit, antenatal clinic, and ultrasound scan.

Mrs Mullord, who is expecting a C-Section for the birth of her second child in August, is concerned that by not having her husband there, it will put nurses through unneeded stress.

She said: “It’s meant to be one of the best days of your life, and most women would choose to have that one close person to share their experience with.

“During the process your emotions will be all over the place, you’ll be excited and have anxiety at the same time, and that one person can just calm you down – someone who knows you and how to make you feel better, more than a nurse would.”

Watford Observer: The petition has received a strong backing from mothers across the UK The petition has received a strong backing from mothers across the UK

Mrs Mullord explained that she is conscious that hospitals have to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but believes that with many other restrictions easing, it is time for this to change too.

She said that during the birth process of her first son, her husband would do “little things” that others would not think of to help her out.

The mother is worried she may become a nuisance by pushing a buzzer for little matters which her husband could help with.

She said: “Every change that is happening right now, they’re thinking of the economy. Mental health isn’t being considered. I can’t imagine being there on my own without my husband.”

She explained that personally, she can work herself up and become anxious over many things and is trying to stay as positive as she can.

Midwives at Watford General Hospital have been supportive and informative in making her feel as comfortable as they can.

But she added: “A woman’s choice is being taken away, we’re not given an option if we can have our partner.”

She worries that her husband will also miss out on the emotional and important experience of being there for a birth.

Mrs Mullord proposed that if the right amount of health checks and PPE were imposed, then maybe hospitals could find a workaround to have a partner present.

Tracey Carter, the trust’s chief nurse said: “We know that as lockdown restrictions are lifting that people may feel that life is getting more or less back to normal, but unfortunately that’s not the case for the NHS.

“Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and is still an ever-present threat. We’d like to say thank you to the public for doing everything they can to support the NHS and to please continue helping us by staying away from our sites.

“This will help us to keep our patients and staff safe.”

A spokesperson at the trust added: “There are exceptions to the WHHT’s visiting restrictions for women in labour and more information can be found here.

“If you have any concerns or worries about your pregnancy or delivery, please speak to your midwife or call the WHHT maternity service on 01923217343.

“We do understand this is a worrying time for everyone and the maternity team is here to support you every step of the way.”