Background Women with high-risk pregnancies are among the most vulnerable groups that require additional precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 plus receiving prenatal care. Yet, there is limited information on the status of prenatal care in women with high-risk pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women with high-risk pregnancies who were receiving prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The present qualitative study was conducted on mothers with high-risk pregnancies from September 2020 to March 2021. Purposeful sampling continued until achieving data saturation. Ghaem, Ommolbanin, and Imam Reza in Mashhad, Iran served as the research environment. Face-to-face and semi-structured interviews were effective data collection methods. Each interview lasted between 20 to 45 min (on average 30). The total number of participants was 31. Data analysis was carried out simultaneously with data collection using the qualitative content analysis method developed by Granheim and Landman (2004). Results Following the reduction and analysis of data from women in high-risk pregnancies, as well as their perceptions and experiences with health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, eight subcategories and three main categories were identified, including 1) “Negative psychology responses,” 2) “Adoption behavior,” and 3) “Adjustment of health services in mutual protection.” Fear, anxiety, stress, feelings of loneliness, sadness, depression, guilt, doubt and conflict in receiving services were examples of negative psychological responses. The adaptive behaviors’ category reflected the behaviors of women with high-risk pregnancies in the context of the COVID COVID-19 pandemic. The Adjustment of health services in mutual protection indicated that health workers took preventive and protective measures against COVID-19, which, in addition to protecting themselves and their clients against COVID-19, gave women a sense of security. Conclusion Receiving prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges for women with high-risk pregnancies, negatively impacting their psychological state and health-seeking behavior. Supportive and preventive care can ensure that women with high-risk pregnancies receive optimal prenatal care that focuses on COVID-19 prevention. We recommend implementing screening, psychological counseling, and education for women with high-risk pregnancies, as well as ensuring that they have access to women-centered health care services.

Background: As a global health threat, the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on maternity care reception in mothers with high-risk pregnancies. Women with high-risk pregnancies are among the most vulnerable groups that require additional precautionary measures against the spread of Covid-19 plus receiving prenatal care. Due to limited information on the status of prenatal care in women with high-risk pregnancies, a qualitative study was conducted to explore the perceptions and experiences of women with high-risk pregnancy regarding receiving prenatal care reception during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted on mothers with high-risk pregnancies from September 2020 to March 2021. Purposeful sampling continued until achieving data saturation. Ghaem, Ommolbanin, and Imam Reza (AS) government and educational hospitals in Mashhad served as the research environment. Face-to-face and semi-structured interviews were effective data collection methods. Each interview lasted between 20 to 45 minutes (on average 30). The total number of participants was 31. Data analysis was carried out simultaneously with data collection using the qualitative content analysis method developed by Granheim and Landman (2004).Results: Following data analysis and reduction, eight subcategories and three main categories were identified. These included “Negative psychological responses,” “Thinking-based behavior against double danger,” and” Adjustment of health services in the mutual protection”.Conclusion: Receiving prenatal care in women with high-risk pregnancies is associated with challenges in women in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This causes negative psychological responses and affects their health-seeking behaviors. Preventive and supportive care can lead to optimum prenatal care for women with high-risk pregnancies focusing on COVID-19 prevention and minimizing pregnancy risk and complications.

Purpose Since December 2019, the whole world has been affected by coronavirus [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)]. However, the effects of COVID-19 infection on pregnancy and fetal transmission are still unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate placenta samples regarding detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in women affected with COVID-19. Method This study was a part of a cohort study carried out on pregnant women with a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection who had been admitted to the Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, from March 20 to August 5, 2020. Clinical and laboratory information of all the patients was collected and chest computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed. Totally, 16 placental tissue were prepared for real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. All samples were tested by PowerChek PCR real-time kit (South Korea) with 2 target genes (E gene and Rd Rp gene), and Pishtaz Teb kit, (Iran) with 2 target genes (N gene and RdRp gene). Result In the first RT-PCR kit by PowerChek kit, 6 samples were positive for a single gene (E gene) and 2 samples were positive for both genes (E gene and Rd Rp gene). In the second RT-PCR kit by Pishtaz Teb kit, 3 samples were positive for two genes (N gene and RdRp gene). Conclusion This present study showed that infection of placenta with SARS-CoV-2 may occur in pregnancy. However, whether this infection leads to neonatal infection and serious complication in pregnancy remains unclear.