High-risk pregnant women’s experiences of the receiving prenatal care in COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Women with high-risk pregnancies are among the most vulnerable groups that require additional precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 plus receiving prenatal care. Yet, there is limited information on the status of prenatal care in women with high-risk pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women with high-risk pregnancies who were receiving prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The present qualitative study was conducted on mothers with high-risk pregnancies from September 2020 to March 2021. Purposeful sampling continued until achieving data saturation. Ghaem, Ommolbanin, and Imam Reza in Mashhad, Iran served as the research environment. Face-to-face and semi-structured interviews were effective data collection methods. Each interview lasted between 20 to 45 min (on average 30). The total number of participants was 31. Data analysis was carried out simultaneously with data collection using the qualitative content analysis method developed by Granheim and Landman (2004). Results Following the reduction and analysis of data from women in high-risk pregnancies, as well as their perceptions and experiences with health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, eight subcategories and three main categories were identified, including 1) “Negative psychology responses,” 2) “Adoption behavior,” and 3) “Adjustment of health services in mutual protection.” Fear, anxiety, stress, feelings of loneliness, sadness, depression, guilt, doubt and conflict in receiving services were examples of negative psychological responses. The adaptive behaviors’ category reflected the behaviors of women with high-risk pregnancies in the context of the COVID COVID-19 pandemic. The Adjustment of health services in mutual protection indicated that health workers took preventive and protective measures against COVID-19, which, in addition to protecting themselves and their clients against COVID-19, gave women a sense of security. Conclusion Receiving prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges for women with high-risk pregnancies, negatively impacting their psychological state and health-seeking behavior. Supportive and preventive care can ensure that women with high-risk pregnancies receive optimal prenatal care that focuses on COVID-19 prevention. We recommend implementing screening, psychological counseling, and education for women with high-risk pregnancies, as well as ensuring that they have access to women-centered health care services.

Measuring supply-side service disruption: a systematic review of the methods for measuring disruption in the context of maternal and newborn health services in low and middle-income settings

“…The characteristics of the 28 included studies are listed in online supplemental appendix 2. Studies were carried out in: Bangladesh,26 Ethiopia,27 28 India,29–34 Indonesia,35 36 Iran,37 38 Nepal,39 40 Nigeria41–44, and Uganda 45 46. Three studies included multiple LMIC countries,14 47 48 and four included both HICs and LMICs 49–52.…”

“…Three studies included multiple LMIC countries,14 47 48 and four included both HICs and LMICs 49–52. Most studies (n=18) used qualitative methods to collect data about supply-side disruption28 30 31 33–37 40–47 49 50; one study involved a qualitative media analysis 32. Seven studies were based on quantitative methods,14 26 27 29 38 48 52 and two used both qualitative and quantitative methods 39 51.…”

“…Seven studies were based on quantitative methods,14 26 27 29 38 48 52 and two used both qualitative and quantitative methods 39 51. Most studies (n=14) involved participation from service-providers (eg, nurses, midwives, obstetricians, community health workers, policy-makers),14 29 30 35 40 42–44 47–52 while 11 involved service users,27 31–34 36–39 45 46 and 3 included both groups 26 28 41…”

Do Pré-Natal Ao Puerpério: Mudanças Nos Serviços De Saúde Obstétricos Durante a Pandemia Da Covid-19

“…Houve a recomendação de "ficar em casa", pois não se conhecia os riscos que a doença representava especificamente para as gestantes e recém-nascidos [14][15] . Isso afetou significativamente a assistência à saúde das mulheres, provocando sentimentos de incertezas e medo [16][17][18] .…”

From Prenatal to Postpartum Care: Changes in Obstetric Health Services During the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…There was a recommendation to "stay at home", as the risks that the disease specifically represented for pregnant women and newborns were not known [14][15] . This significantly affected women's health care, causing feelings of uncertainty and fear [16][17][18] .…”