Knowledge and Expectations of Perinatal Care Among Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2022-07, Vol.3, p.813731
• Main Authors: Lim, Caleb Chun Wei, Goh, Marlene Samantha Sze Minn, Chua, Ka-Hee, Seet, Meei Jiun, Tay, Siew Guek, Mathur, Manisha, Kong, Juin Yee, Yeo, Kee Thai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: attitudes; breastfeeding; COVID-19; Global Women's Health; neonatal; perceptions; pregnancy
• ISSN: 2673-5059; 2673-5059
• DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.813731

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and expectations of pregnant women on perinatal care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women ≥21 years, without a history of confirmed COVID-19, attending antenatal clinics between August and September 2020 a secure online platform. The survey consisted of 10 questions which evaluated the knowledge and expectations on perinatal and neonatal care during the current pandemic. A total of 313 pregnant women completed the survey. The mean age of the participants was 30 years (SD 4; range 22-43 years). The median gestational age was 25 weeks (range 4-40 weeks). The participants were predominantly multiparous (54%) and almost all (98%) had completed secondary level education. Majority of participants were aware of the spread of COVID-19 by respiratory secretions and contact (90%), and the importance of prevention strategies (94%). Up to 72% agreed or strongly agreed that in-utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was possible. Most were unsure of the optimal mode of delivery (77%) and only 22% believed that breastfeeding was safe in a pregnant woman with active COVID-19. Although 46% were concerned about increased transmission risk with antenatal clinic visits, only 37% were agreeable to teleconferencing of clinic appointments. Maternal age >35 years was significantly associated with agreement with separation of mother-infant after birth [AOR 1.89 (95% CI 1.05, 3.39)], restrictions of visitors during the postnatal period [1.92 (1.05, 3.49)] and having their confinement practices were affected [2.3 (1.26, 4.17)]. Pregnant women who were multiparous disagreed that breastfeeding was safe in women with active COVID-19 [0.42 (0.23, 0.75)]. There was significant uncertainty about the optimal delivery method and safety of breastfeeding with COVID-19 among expectant mothers, along with variable agreement with alterations to routine perinatal care.