Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest pandemic of an aggressive coronavirus in the human population in the 21st century. The pandemic may have a negative emotional impact on pregnant women, causing fear and stress. Negative feelings during pregnancy later affect fear of childbirth. Our study aimed to determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19, stress and fear of childbirth. We assume that fear of COVID-19 will be a mediator of the relationship between perceived stress and fear of childbirth. A total of 262 Polish pregnant women participated in this study. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FOC-6) and Labour Anxiety Questionnaire (KLP II) were used in the study. There was a statistically significant, moderate, and positive relationship between perceived stress, fear of COVID-19, and fear of childbirth. Fear of COVID-19 was a statistically significant mediator in the relationship between perceived stress and fear of childbirth. The COVID-19 epidemic may have a negative emotional impact on pregnant women, causing fear, stress and increased fear of childbirth. Childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic is perceived by women as a threat to their well-being and health. Therefore, it is especially important to support a woman in the perinatal period and to enable her to give birth to a child.
Highlights
Pregnancy is a time of many changes in a woman’s life
The present study showed that the level of stress measured by the PSS-10 (20.60) is higher compared to the pre-pandemic result of pregnant women (18) [31]
It can be concluded that the COVID-19 epidemic may have a negative emotional impact on pregnant women, causing fear and stress
Summary
Pregnancy is a time of many changes in a woman’s life. It may be associated with significant emotional stress, which may affect up to 75% of women [1]. Pregnant women are concerned about their health and their unborn child’s health. Negative life events such as the outbreak of a contagious disease can be the cause of stress. The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is the largest pandemic in the 21st century. The clinical course of the COVID-19 disease varies from asymptomatic and mild to severe disease and death [3]. Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe COVID-19
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