The Impact of the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic on Women during Pregnancy, Childbirth and After Childbirth

Abstract

The pregnancy is monitored through perinatal protection of pregnant women, which is divided into antenatal, partum, and postpartum care. Antenatal care includes monitoring of the mother and fetus through physical and gynecological examinations, ultrasound examinations, cardiotocography, laboratory findings, and more. Pregnant women together with their partners attend pregnancy courses for education and the possibility of having an escort during the birth. At the end of 2019, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus appeared in China. Measures such as physical distancing, hygienic hand washing, disinfection of hands and surfaces, and self-isolation are introduced to prevent infection. Due to the existing measures, the monitoring of pregnant women and midwives has changed. The number of doctor's appointments has been reduced, some countries are introducing bans on accompanying people during childbirth, depending on the epidemiological situation in the country. During July and August 2021, an online survey was conducted with the aim of gaining insight into the impact of the pandemic on pregnant women and midwives. A total of 253 participants who gave birth during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic took part in the research. The results have been shown that a small number of women (29.25%) were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and were most often infected during pregnancy. Regardless of the protection measures present, 95.26% of women went for regular check-ups with a doctor during pregnancy, and only 19.76% of women had to do a PCR test before the check-up (UZV, CTG, gynecological check-up or before delivery). The results showed that 61.26% of the participants did not attend a pregnancy course, which we can relate to the results that 80.63% of the participants did not have a companion during childbirth. Face masks (surgical, cloth) made breathing difficult for women and limited communication with other people (76.28%), and in 69.17% of women negative feelings were caused by daily information about the disease COVID-19.