“Fear and anxiety is what I recall the best.": A phenomenological examination of mothers’ pregnancy experiences during COVID-19 in the United States

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand mothers’ lived pregnancy experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignA qualitative, phenomenological study SettingParticipants completed the demographic survey online and semi-structured interviews, via video conferencing between November and December 2021 ParticipantsA sample of 28 mothers who were pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic participated in the study. Methods and ResultsAn inductive, thematic approach was used to analyze the data. Two central themes and eight subthemes emerged from the six-phase thematic analysis. The first central theme, Depth of Knowledge About COVID-19, included the following subthemes: 1) Vaccines and 2) Uncertainty for Exposure. The second central theme, Impacts of COVID-19, had six subthemes: 1) Types of Support Received, 2) COVID-19 Restrictions, 3) Childcare, 4) Mental Health, 5) Spending More Time at Home, and 6) Isolation. ConclusionsFindings of this study revealed mothers experienced a significant amount of stress and anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic during their pregnancy. Implications for practiceOur findings highlight the need to provide pregnant mothers comprehensive care, including mental health services, adequate access to social support, and providing clear information regarding COVID-19 vaccination and its impacts on pregnancy.