NHS maternity statistics have shown that despite an initial dip in antenatal booking appointments in May 2020, numbers have since rebounded, and Q4 2020 showed the highest rates for five years.
During September 2020, when women who conceived in mid-summer would have had their first appointments, there were 58,035 appointments – the highest for that month since records began in 2015, and a rise of 6.8% compared with September 2019, reports The Guardian.
For the last three months of 2020, there were 173,130 booking appointments, which was an 11.1% increase on the fourth quarter the year before and the highest Q4 since 2015.
Figures on birth rates from December 2020, which was nine months after the first lockdown started, won’t be available until later this year, but figures from Northern Ireland show the same initial drop, followed by a sharp increase.
Retailers across the nursery sector are hopeful for a baby boom in the coming months and are readying themselves for an increase in expectant and new parents.
Karen Bridle, owner, BabyB Store, added: “People have realised that family is what’s important this last year. With these family values high on everyone’s list, I feel a baby boom could be expected in these next few months.”
Julie Logan, owner, The Olive Branch Toyshop, commented: “We certainly feel that there will be a lockdown baby boom. We are looking forward to meeting many new babies who we know have arrived during lockdown, welcoming them into the community and helping to support their families.
“We know that many parents have not been able to mix with their family and friends and introduce their new arrival. So, we have also refreshed our range of baby products in anticipation of new parents, grandparents, friends and family who may be looking for a gift now that non-essential retail is open again.”
