Effects of coronavirus 19 pandemic on maternal anxiety during pregnancy: a prospectic observational study

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec id="j_jpm-2020-0182_abs_001_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c12b2Aa"><jats:title>Objectives</jats:title><jats:p>Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that is spreading widely throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Italy.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="j_jpm-2020-0182_abs_002_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c12b3Aa"><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>We considered 200 pregnancies attending our antenatal clinic. A questionnaire was sent to each woman in the days of maximum spread of COVID-19. Sectional was finalized to acquire in 18 items maternal characteristics and to test the women’s perception of infection. Section included the State–trait anxiety inventory (STAI) 40 items validated test for scoring trait anxiety (basal anxiety, STAI-T) and state anxiety (related to the ongoing pandemic, STAI-S). An abnormal value of STAI was considered when ≥40.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="j_jpm-2020-0182_abs_003_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c12b4Aa"><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>The questionnaire was completed by 178 women (89%). Fear that COVID-19 could induce fetal structural anomalies was present in 47%, fetal growth restriction in 65% and preterm birth in 51% of the women. The median value of STAI-T was 37 and in 38.2% of the study group STAI-T score ≥40 was evidenced. STAI-S values were significantly higher with an increase of median values of 12 points (p≤0.0001). There was a positive linear correlation between STAI-T and STAI-S (Pearson=0.59; p≤0.0001). A higher educational status was associated with increased prevalence of STAI-S ≥ 40(p=0.004). Subgrouping women by the other variables considered did not show any further difference.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec id="j_jpm-2020-0182_abs_004_w2aab3b7b3b1b6b1aab1c12b5Aa"><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p>COVID-19 pandemic induces a doubling of the number of women who reached abnormal level of anxiety. These findings validate the role of the remote use of questionnaire for identifying women at higher risk of anxiety disorders allowing the activation of support procedures.</jats:p></jats:sec>

Analysis of the Impact of the Confinement Resulting from COVID-19 on the Lifestyle and Psychological Wellbeing of Spanish Pregnant Women: An Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

“…In this sense, other previous studies have also observed that HRQoL decreased as the pregnancy progressed and that this metric improved postpartum [ 65 , 66 ]. However, the decrease in HRQoL reported in this study may have been aggravated by the stress and anxiety produced by the situation of confinement itself [ 24 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. In agreement with our results, some authors have also observed an increase in anxiety and depression levels during confinement in pregnant women [ 67 , 68 ] and in the immediate postpartum period [ 69 ].…”

“…However, the decrease in HRQoL reported in this study may have been aggravated by the stress and anxiety produced by the situation of confinement itself [ 24 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. In agreement with our results, some authors have also observed an increase in anxiety and depression levels during confinement in pregnant women [ 67 , 68 ] and in the immediate postpartum period [ 69 ]. Wu et al analyzed the anxiety and depression of 4124 Chinese women during the outbreak of coronavirus.…”

“…Their results showed an increase of anxiety and depression symptoms during confinement, especially in primiparous women, and a higher percentage of women with thoughts of self-harm [ 67 ]. Other studies carried out on Italian pregnant women have also observed a significant negative impact on the mental health of pregnant women as a consequence of confinement by COVID-19 [ 68 ].…”

Women’s perceptions of COVID-19 and their healthcare experiences: a qualitative thematic analysis of a national survey of pregnant women in the United Kingdom

“…Some participants discussed the challenges of discussing mood related concerns over the telephone. There is emerging evidence to suggest that pregnant women are experiencing significant anxiety during the pandemic [ 9 – 11 ]. Further local and national strategies should be considered by policy makers to help further support this group of women.…”

Pregnant Women’s Health-related Behavior Changes and Psychological Status After the Peak of COVID-19 Outbreak in China: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Preventing a rebound and preventing imports from abroad are essential. During the initial stage or peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, studies from China [5,6], Turkey [7], Italy [8], Canada [9], and Israel [10] have found that the COVID-19 had adverse psychological impact on women during pregnancy, such as increasing anxiety and depression symptoms. Several studies reported the behavior responses of pregnant women during the COVID-19 epidemic, such as wearing masks, washing hands more frequently and stocking up behaviors [11][12][13].…”