Unvaccinated mum catches COVID and has to have C-section SIX weeks early

Unvaccinated West Yorkshire mum had to have her baby six weeks early through a C-section after becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.

Anniree Muir was just under 30 weeks’ pregnant when she was taken by ambulance to Bradford Royal Infirmary on September 18. She had tested positive for COVID-19 nine days earlier.

After being admitted to hospital, she was quickly given CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) ventilation treatment as she was struggling to breathe.

Just days later on September 30, doctors, fearing for the health and safety of her unborn son, took the decision to deliver him by emergency Caesarean section. Jahleel weighed just 3lbs at birth and was immediately taken to the hospital’s Neonatal Unit where staff spent six weeks caring for him.

Anniree is now warning other pregnant women to not follow her lead and that they should get the vaccine.

"My lungs were full of COVID and they deflated so they decided to put me on CPAP. I got told I needed a C-section. The baby was laying on my lungs and my lungs were unable to inflate to their full potential", said Anniree, who is also mum to daughter, Khamiyah, aged 21 months.

“My daughter was full term when she was born and everything felt normal and natural. This felt so scary. After Jahleel was born, he was whisked away to be tested for COVID. Fortunately he was negative but I was still unable to hold him. I was only able to see pictures of him and it was nine days before I could hold him and give him a cuddle.

"When you see your baby for the first time you cry, but I couldn't do that".

Anniree admits she was shocked at how rapidly ill she became with the virus and now regrets not having her COVID jab when offered.

“I am not an anti-vaxxer but I was reluctant to have my jab because I was pregnant and I felt nervous about the effect it might have on the baby. The vaccine seemed so new and it played on my mind whether it would be safe or not,” she said.

“My husband got his jabs when offered and we were both so careful during the pandemic, barely venturing out so I was shocked when I got COVID and shocked at how ill I became. My symptoms were mild at first but after a few days I just got worse and worse. It was on the ninth day, I rang 111 for advice and because of my breathing difficulties they sent an ambulance.

Both mum and baby are now doing well and have been able to go home but before leaving hospital, 23-year-old Anniree made a plea to all expectant mums.

“I would now say to anyone who is pregnant and who is nervous about the jab, talk to a health professional, talk to your midwife and get their advice because they will be able to reassure you. But please get the vaccine because I wouldn’t wish what I have been through on anyone."

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Sam Oddie, a consultant in the neonatal unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary who cared for them both, tells unvaccinated mothers that there's nothing to be scared of.

The consultant said: "Getting an injection is a bit frightening, but I would urge them to think of the benefit for them and for their baby, and to weigh the short term unpleasantness of having an injection against the real health benefits people across the world are seeing.

“While some well-informed women have had the vaccine, too many have been put off by inaccurate information from social media. Sadly, Bradford has seen more than its fair share of women needing intensive care for a disease that can be prevented or made less serious by simple injections.

"Women who have a vaccine, if they get infection at all, have a much milder infection. Those who do not take the vaccine unfortunately are more likely to be admitted to hospital, more likely to receive intensive care and even more invasive treatment that Anniree Muir received."

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• coronavirus
• NHS