Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant Women

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, type of delivery, and neonatal feeding of pregnant women with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection during gestation.Study DesignThe study was conducted online, and anonymous survey was distributed to mothers that delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThe survey was completed by 286 women, and 64 women (22.4%) had COVID-19 during pregnancy. Women that had SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy or at time of delivery had a significantly higher probability of being separated from the newborn (p < 0.0001) and a significantly lower probability of breastfeeding (p < 0.0001). The Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale, to assess if mothers had symptoms of postnatal depression, showed that items suggestive of postnatal depression were relatively frequent in the whole cohort. However, women with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy reported higher probability of responses suggestive of postnatal depression in eight out of 10 items, with statistically significant differences in three items.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic affected the type of delivery and breastfeeding of pregnant women, particularly when they had SARS-CoV-2 infection. This, in turn, had an impact on the psychological status of the interviewed mothers, aspects that could benefit of special support.

Possible Stress–Neuroendocrine System–Psychological Symptoms Relationship in Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In Italy, the impaired mental health linked to the COVID-19 pandemic has been demonstrated in several studies. Two of these were carried out at Udine hospital, demonstrating an association between the COVID-19 pandemic and clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression [ 33 , 44 ] and obsessive compulsive disorder [ 45 ]. In the first study, 258 pregnant women were analyzed by the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), and an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) screening [ 33 ].…”

“…The high level of depressive symptoms was confirmed by an online anonymous survey prepared by the University of Roma (Central Italy) administered for 6–8 weeks to 286 women who had given birth during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 45 ]. The results showed that 64 women had SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and consequently were separated from the newborn, with low probability of breastfeeding.…”

“…The results showed that 64 women had SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and consequently were separated from the newborn, with low probability of breastfeeding. The Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale showed that postnatal depression was relatively common in the whole cohort, but the likelihood of being affected by this mental disorder was higher in women with COVID-19 [ 45 ]. The fact that the COVID-19 period was demanding and stressful for pregnant women, with a significant impact on their well-being, was confirmed by another online study.…”

A Virtual Exercise Program throughout Pregnancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Modifies Maternal Weight Gain, Smoking Habits and Birth Weight—Randomized Clinical Trial

“…More research is necessary to confirm these findings [ 47 ]. Current research on public health complications due to the continuity of limitations and social isolation caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic showed reductions in physical activity and maintenance of smoking habits, elements that increase the risk of numerous pathologies and pregnancy disorders [ 48 , 49 ]. One example is that a sedentary lifestyle and no physical activity may enhance anxiety and depression in expectant mothers [ 50 ] and neonatal complications [ 51 ] potentially making these conditions worse.…”