Stress in pregnant women and childbirth amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic pregnant women experience a wide range of negative feelings that can have short- and long-term impact on both the woman and her child.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of stress associated with the coronavirus pandemic on the emotional state of pregnant women and their childbirth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Impact of Events Scale-Revised, telephone interview about delivery process and outcome, socio-demographic data. Research is done online, data is being gathered.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Majority of women experience high (36%) and moderate (48%) anxiety. Changes in the national healthcare system, the financial situation in the family and the political situation in this country are having a greater negative impact on pregnant women than their fear for the child’s and their own health. Remote preparation, refusal of their partner’s delivery, forced change of plans for childbirth have become significant factors for a negative assessment of labor and delivery. 69% evaluate delivery process as difficult, 42% report on obstetric aggression.

Keywords

pregnancy / COVID-19 / stress / anxiety / childbirth

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