Self – Care Practices of Pregnant Women during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is an emerging infection and also a re-emerging viral respiratory disease that has affected all aspects of ante natal care among pregnant women. Aim: This study aims to assess self-care practices of pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic. Study design: Descriptive study design. Setting: The study was carried out at the antenatal outpatient clinic in obstetrics and gynecology hospital , Mansoura University Sample type: A purposive sample was used. Study subjects: The study subjects included 495 pregnant women. Tools: Two tools were used, structured interviewing questionnaire and Pregnancy Self-Care practices. Results: The current study showed that most of the studied women always wash their hands before and after preparing meals and took sufficient time for cooking. Also, most of the pregnant women watched T.V as a form of recreational activities. Moreover, the study results showed that most of the studied women always wash their hands before and after they used toilet. Furthermore, most of the studied women always attend ante natal visits regularly. Conclusion: The current study concluded that, COVID-19 pandemic affect pregnant women self-care practices, physical exercise, personal hygiene, rest and sleep& following up of the primary health care services were the most affected practices also work burden among the studied pregnant women was highly affected by COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations: Simple designed brochures will be provided to pregnant women to explain the importance of antenatal care visits and education through online classes or by attendance.