Concerns of women regarding pregnancy and childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Patient education and counseling 2020-12, Vol.103 (12), p.2578-2582
• Main Authors: Ahlers-Schmidt, Carolyn R., Hervey, Ashley M., Neil, Tara, Kuhlmann, Stephanie, Kuhlmann, Zachary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior changes; COVID-19; Healthcare access; Maternal and infant health; Mental health; Nursing; Pregnancy; Short Communication
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.09.031

•Pregnant and recently delivered women reported behavior changes due to COVID-19.•Preventive measures (e.g. social distancing) were used by respondents.•Negative changes in mental health, such as increased stress, were also reported.•Employment and fiscal security decreased; postpartum alcohol consumption increased.•Healthcare access remained stable for most. Better understand knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women and mothers of infants around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A 58-item electronic survey was distributed to pregnant and postpartum women (infants 15 years, English-speaking and enrolled in prenatal programs. Data is summarized using central tendency, frequencies and nonparametric statistics. Of 114 (51 % response rate) participants, 82.5 % reported negative changes in mental status measures (e.g. stress, anxious thoughts, changes in sleep patterns). All reported risk-reduction behavior changes (e.g. handwashing/use of sanitizer, social distancing). Significant changes were reported in employment and financial status due to the pandemic. Increases in alcohol consumption among postpartum women were also reported. Few reported changes in prenatal, infant or postpartum healthcare access. This study provides initial insight into the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is limited as participants represent a single Midwest community and social desirability response bias may have impacted responses. However, results may inform future interventions to support pregnant women and mothers of infants during pandemics. Providers should consider the impact of such events on mental status, access to resources and changes in behaviors.