Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Childcare during the COVID-19 Pandemic for Parents Raising a 4-Month-Old Child

Abstract

This study examined the situation of raising a four-month-old baby after pregnancy and childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic. A fact-finding survey was conducted using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire for mothers and their husbands (hereinafter referred to as fathers) who came to A City, Osaka Prefecture, for health checkups of their four-month-old infants. The questionnaire was distributed to 733 mothers (252 responses). Valid responses were received from 247 participants (33.7%). The questionnaire was distributed to 733 fathers (191 responses). Valid responses were received from 184 participants (25.1%). Most participants belonged to nuclear family households. Sixty percent parents were primiparous. More than 90% parents did not participate in online parenting classes or attend childbirth. In addition, more than 80% mothers did not participate in face-to-face or online maternity classes, postpartum face-to-face visits from grandparents in the hospital, online home visits, telephone conversations, or support from non-relatives. Parents could not obtain information about childcare due to COVID-19. There were restrictions on prenatal checkups, visits, and use of facilities. Most of them resolved these problems via social media platforms, cooperating and communicating with their respective partners and relatives, and devising ways to play with their child. Health of nearly 30% mothers was affected by childcare stress and the pandemic, and they were either depressed or despondent. Approximately 70% experienced positive changes in family relationships and mindsets, such as time spent with family and cooperation received in childcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents coped with various changes and problems they experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare by devising solutions based on their personal perspectives.