Psychological and social impact and lifestyle changes among pregnant women of COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to examine the challenges faced by pregnant women and their daily life activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, to assess the psychological impacts of the pandemic and their expectations to improve women's mental health, thereby increasing the awareness of healthcare professionals of the subject. Methods The research was conducted with the participation of 30 pregnant women, who were selected by purposive sampling using the phenomenological approach, between 15 June 2020 and 15 August 2020. Telephone interviews were conducted with pregnant women due to social isolation measures during the Coronavirus pandemic. Results In the study, the following four themes were determined: (a) measures taken against the pandemic, (b) problems regarding the antenatal period during the pandemic, (c) gestation period and change in social life, (d) psychological effects of the pandemic and methods for coping with them. Also, 14 sub-themes were determined regarding these themes. Conclusion The results of the study revealed that the pandemic had multidimensional impacts on pregnant women, including their social life and physical health. Psychologically, it caused many negative emotional states, particularly concerns and fears. During the pandemic, healthcare professionals should be aware of the needs of pregnant women and plan protective and informative interventions for both their physiological and psychological health.

Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Status: An Elaborate Review

“…Giiner et al [21] made a survey on a group of pregnant females in a hospital in Italy. They studied the impact of COVID-19 to improve well-being by putting light on this topic for healthcare workers.…”

“…To tackle these concerns, healthcare workers should be acquainted with means to deal with the needs of these women, both physical and mental. OzlemGuner et al [21] also conducted a similar study that included telephonic interviews of pregnant ladies.…”

“…Anaelle Caillet(2021) [27], Li J(2021) [35], Wright K(2020) [37] Doctor/ health care Affects mental health Panchal(2021) [9], Eftekhar(2021) [24], Everly GS(2021) [30] Fear of their life and their family, stress Baker(2020) [3] Elder Loneliness, boredom, isolation, affect mental health Zhao(2020) [4] Affect mental health, stress, aggressive, anxiety, mild depression Ozlem Guner(2022) [21] Pregnant Negative thought, fright AgataBuo(2021) [22], Wright K(2020) [37] increased stress and anxiety…”

Impactos da COVID-19 na gravidez: uma revisão integrativa

“…Além disso, principalmente os residentes na zona rural afirmaram ter dificuldades em marcar consultas devido ao número insuficiente de médicos. As participantes relataram expressaram diversos receios frente a pandemia, dentre estes o medo da transmissão da doença para si e para seus bebês, infectar idosos da família, perder entes queridos, ser infectado no hospital durante o processo de parto, e o aumento de casos (Güner, Öztürk, 2021).…”

“There is always a waitlist”: The experiences of perinatal women randomized to a waitlist condition in a trial evaluating a novel online self-directed intervention for perinatal anxiety

“…Public health restrictions have significantly altered or disrupted routine perinatal care, often forcing perinatal individuals to attend appointments on their own, which has contributed to additional feelings of stress in this population (14,31). Further to this, pandemic related restrictions have reduced opportunities for family or peer support, thereby exacerbating feelings of isolation commonly experienced by this population (23,26,(32)(33)(34). Findings by Vigod et al (35) illustrate an increase in postpartum mental health service use during the first 9 months of the pandemic in Ontario, Canada, in particular for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.…”