The impact of COVID-19 on pregnant womens’ experiences and perceptions of antenatal maternity care, social support, and stress-reduction strategies

• DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2021.04.013
• Publication Date: 2021-05-06T22:13:53Z
• Authors: Sarah Meaney; Sara Leitao; Ellinor K. Olander; Johanna Pope; Karen Matvienko-S...
• Keywords: Pandemic; Prenatal Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on maternity care, supports and women's mental health.The aim of this study was to assess pregnant satisfaction with antenatal care social support examine stress-reduction strategies women used during the pandemic.An online survey conducted between June July 2020. Pregnant women, aged over 18 years were recruited. included closed open-ended questions perceptions their support, strategies. Descriptive statistics multivariate analysis for quantitative analyses; qualitative content questions.573 completed survey. Women reported low levels which predicted by health demographic factors related public service restrictions. that restrictions implemented in services limited face-to face interactions healthcare professionals meant partners could not attend appointments or them postpartum period setting. lack information pregnancy had greater uncertainty about birth.Our findings indicate how access reduced perceived as a result response pandemic, potentially intensifies specific stress.There is need provision supportive both formally informally, particularly who may be more vulnerable pandemic.