Perspectives of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Atmuri, Kiran; Sarkar, Mahbub; Obudu, Efe; Kumar, Arunaz

BACKGROUND The current COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to have profound effects on pregnant women globally, particularly, on their psycho-social wellbeing. Despite this, there has been limited qualitative inquiry into the experiences of pregnant women during the pandemic. AIM This original research aimed to study the perspectives of pregnant women in Australia in relation to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their pregnancy experience. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study design with semi-structured interviews was adopted. The study was performed in Melbourne, Australia. A total of fifteen interviews were conducted. Data was analysed thematically to develop major themes and subthemes. RESULTS A total of four major themes were developed: support for a positive experience, impact on preparedness in pregnancy and beyond, facing uncertainty of a pandemic, and retaining resilience and optimism. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the experience of pregnant women with potential to compromise their psycho-social wellbeing. The major themes identified in this study offer insight to organisations to develop woman-centred care during the pandemic and optimise the psycho-social wellbeing of pregnant women.