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

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and expectations of pregnant women on perinatal and neonatal care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Singapore. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics between August and September 2020 via a secure online platform. Participants aged ≥21 years without a history of confirmed COVID-19 were included. The survey consisted of 10 questions which evaluated the knowledge and expectations on perinatal and neonatal care during the current pandemic. Results: 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. There was no significant association between the sociodemographic factors evaluated and maternal agreement with the possibility of in-utero SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the risk associated with vaginal delivery in women with COVID-19. Although 46% of participants were concerned about the increased risk of contracting COVID-19 during routine clinic appointments, only 37% of the cohort were agreeable with teleconferencing of clinic appointments. More than half (56%) of the participants reported that their postnatal confinement plans were affected by the current pandemic. Conclusions: Our survey revealed that majority of participants were aware of modes of transmission, prevention strategies and in utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Significant gaps were identified in their knowledge related to method of delivery and safety of breastfeeding, along with significant variability to the agreement with alterations to the perinatal care. For best practice we recommend provision of evidence-based information early to expectant mothers by the healthcare professionals to reduce misinformation and anxiety amongst pregnant women.

Unraveling the Interplay between Postnatal Mothers' Expertise in Neonatal Care amid the COVID-19 Pandemic and Media Consumption

“…Specific COVID-19 precautions were outlined. 6 Pregnant women in Singapore were aware of COVID-19 but had unclear knowledge and expectations regarding perinatal and neonatal care. 6 The risk of neonatal infection is low with recommended precautions, but psychosocial implications and racial/ethnic disparities must be addressed.…”

“…6 Pregnant women in Singapore were aware of COVID-19 but had unclear knowledge and expectations regarding perinatal and neonatal care. 6 The risk of neonatal infection is low with recommended precautions, but psychosocial implications and racial/ethnic disparities must be addressed. Pandemic-related prenatal stress can negatively affect infants' regulatory capacity at 3 months, mediated by parenting stress and mother-infant bonding.…”

“…The study focused on postpartum women, 2 days after giving birth, who had been exposed to various forms of media during the antepartum period. 6…”