More than 1,000 babies were born in Powys in the year the coronavirus pandemic shook the world, figures show.

Office for National Statistics data shows there were 1,022 live births in Powys in 2020 – 12 fewer than the year before.

It meant the fertility rate was 1.68 births per woman, lower than 1.74 in 2019.

But it was higher than the rate of 1.58 across England and Wales last year – the lowest since records began in 1938.

According to the ONS, the fertility rate has been decreasing nationally for a number of reasons, including improved access to contraception, women delaying motherhood and having fewer babies.

Although for UK-born mothers the fertility rate decreased to 1.50 children per woman, down from 1.57 in 2019, the rate among non-UK-born women increased slightly from 1.97 to 1.98.

Different figures show that of the babies born in Powys in 2020, 106 (10.4%) had at least one non-UK parent, with 39 (3.8%) having both parents born outside the UK.

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 #WhatAboutUs campaign, backed by charities including Action for Children, the NSPCC and NCT, is calling on the Government to extend Covid-19 catch-up funding to support the 600,000 babies born across England and Wales in the first year of the pandemic.

Sarah McMullen, director of impact and engagement at parenting charity NCT, said many women who had babies in 2020 did not get the post-natal support they needed due to reduced access to services, and lack of practical help from family and friends.

She said: “Many mums and dads have felt socially isolated due to the pandemic, and concerned about the impact on their baby’s health and development as well as their own wellbeing.

“Services and support were reduced at a time when parents needed them most.

“Many mums reported struggling to cope and that their mental health had suffered.

“The early years of life are a critical time for development.”