Abstract
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread across Canada in March 2020, provinces imposed restrictions. These changes impacted how pregnant individuals received prenatal care and experienced childbirth. The stress caused by these changes may negatively affect the well-being of pregnant individuals with impacts on the developing child. This study investigated the impact of the pandemic on prenatal care and birth plans of pregnant individuals in Canada and potential associations with maternal mental health. Data from 4,604 participants was collected from English- and French-speaking Canadians between April 5 and June 1, 2020 as part of the Canada-wide Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic study. Symptoms of maternal depression, general anxiety, and pregnancy-related anxiety were assessed. Participants also answered questions about disruptions and changes to prenatal care and their birth plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between prenatal care disruptions and maternal mental health. Cancellation of prenatal appointments and birth plan changes (specifically changes to childcare during birth and change of support person attending the birth) were significantly associated with greater odds of experiencing clinically elevated depression, anxiety, and/or pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms. These results highlight the need for reliable and accessible prenatal care during the pandemic, such as the integration of mental health screenings and co-ordination of prenatal care providers.
Highlights
Proper prenatal care is important for the health of both the pregnant individual and the developing baby
This study investigated the impact of the pandemic on prenatal care and birth plans of pregnant individuals in Canada and potential associations with maternal mental health
We show that prenatal care disruptions were common during the COVID-19 pandemic, and were associated with clinically elevated depression, anxiety, and pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms
Summary
Proper prenatal care is important for the health of both the pregnant individual and the developing baby. The emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) led to widespread restrictions that disrupted prenatal care for many pregnant individuals around the world. Restrictions and changes to prenatal care and birth protocols occurred quickly, adding potential uncertainty and stress for pregnant individuals. Higher pregnancy-related anxiety is strongly associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight, problematic infant temperament, behavioral and emotional problems in the child, and developmental delays [18,19,20]. Recent studies indicate substantially elevated symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in pregnant individuals during the current COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic pregnancy cohorts [21,22,23,24,25]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
