Professor Lucy Chappell, the department of health’s chief scientific adviser and honorary consultant obstetrician, said: “This pandemic has created a lot of fear and uncertainty for those who are thinking about pregnancy or expecting a baby, with Covid-19 being very dangerous for pregnant women in particular.

“It is therefore really important that they get their Covid-19 vaccine, which has now protected hundreds of thousands of pregnant women around the world.

“Today’s data are hugely reassuring and further shows the vaccines continue to be the best way pregnant women can keep themselves and their babies safe from this virus.”

‘Many of the most vulnerable women in our society unvaccinated’

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Every pregnant woman who has not yet been vaccinated should feel confident to go and get the jab. This will help to prevent the serious consequences of catching Covid-19 in pregnancy.

“This accumulating evidence will also allow midwives and other health professionals to provide better information to pregnant women and help to drive uptake higher.

“Our figures also highlight stark inequalities in uptake with many of the most vulnerable women in our society going unvaccinated. It is vital that women of all backgrounds accept the offer of their vaccine in order to protect themselves.”

The proportion of women who gave birth and were vaccinated during pregnancy has been steadily increasing since April 16, when the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advised all pregnant women should be offered two vaccine doses.