IntroductionPerinatal individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing psychological distress, which often manifests in a combination of co-occurring symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of psychological distress experienced by perinatal women dramatically increased, in some cases doubling or even tripling. This increase is concerning as psychological distress can impact the health and wellbeing of mothers and their offspring, including an offspring's neurocognitive, physical, mental, and socio-emotional development. The strategies a perinatal individual uses to cope with psychological distress are modifiable and, therefore, can be targeted to help improve outcomes for mothers and their offspring.MethodsThis rapid review describes and synthesizes the literature related to coping with perinatal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review included twenty-four cross-sectional studies.ResultsPerinatal individuals reported using various coping strategies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, including social strategies (e.g., connecting with others); physical strategies (e.g., exercising); cognitive strategies (e.g., positive re-appraisal); and spiritual strategies (e.g., prayer). An avoidant style of coping and its accompanying behaviours, including disengagement, substance use, and distraction via screen time/social media use, were significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Strategies associated with lower levels of psychological distress included sleep and social support.DiscussionFuture studies should address the impact of technology on coping and the long-term impact of coping styles used during the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of mothers and their offspring. Although this rapid review centered on the COVID-19 context, its findings are broadly relevant to women worldwide who continue to experience prolonged stressors such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.

BackgroundMistreatment of women during childbirth in healthcare facilities can serve as a barrier to utilizing healthcare services. Respectful maternity care (RMC) has been recommended to address this issue, and interventions to promote RMC have been implemented globally. For Indigenous women in particular, such care is closely related to childbirth satisfaction and is considered crucial. However, research on RMC in Guatemala is limited, with no reports focusing on educational interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to implement an educational program to promote RMC for nurses and evaluate its effectiveness.MethodsThis study employed a quasi-experimental design and was conducted at a hospital in the Quiché Department, Guatemala. For nurses in the hospital, a two-day educational program on RMC, which included lectures and group work, was implemented. The effectiveness of the program was assessed by comparing women's experiences of RMC and mistreatment during childbirth before and after the intervention. Data was analyzed using chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and ANCOVA.ResultsThis study included 176 postpartum women, with 88 in each pre- and post-intervention group. The average RMC scores significantly increased from 33.74 pre-intervention to 56.70 post-intervention (p < .001), representing a 68% relative increase. In the pre-intervention group, 71.6% of women experienced physical abuse, verbal abuse, or stigma or discrimination, which significantly decreased to 33.0% in the post-intervention group (p < .001).ConclusionThis educational program suggested improvements in women's childbirth experiences in the facility. Implementing this program in other facilities and regions could contribute to the widespread promotion of RMC practices in healthcare settings.

BackgroundEclampsia and pre-eclampsia cause high feto-maternal mortality in Pakistan. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors in pregnant women that can lead to the development of eclampsia and pre-eclampsia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the BVH, Bahawalpur (July 2021–December 2022), to record socio-demographic information, risk factors, clinical symptoms, and treatment administered, which was linked with maternal and neonatal outcomes. The Chi-squared test was applied to describe the relation in categorical variables. Odds ratio were calculated by binary logistic regression for normally distributed significant values.ResultsA total of 85 women with eclampsia and 43 with pre-eclampsia were included in the study. The eclamptic women showed a higher rate of illiteracy, were overweight, and married to their cousins. They presented with high systolic blood pressure, proteinuria, and low platelet count (OR = 7.24, 95% CI = 1.60–32.68, p = 0.01), increased respiratory rate, and elevated AST, ALT, and LDH levels at the time of diagnosis. Women administered with MgSO4 10 g/day (48.5% survived vs. 77.4% non-survived) showed high perinatal mortality compared to a 4 g/day dose (30.9% survived vs. 16.1% non-survived) or those who hadn't received magnesium sulfate (20.6% survived vs. 6.5% non-survived).ConclusionAdvanced maternal age (≥35), overweight, elevated AST, ALT, and LDH levels, consanguinity, and grand multiparity were associated with higher perinatal mortality. Women with these predictive factors should be monitored for the development of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.

ObjectiveTo explore and analyze the current research status, hotspots, and development trend of labor and delivery experience, to provide a reference for subsequent related research and clinical practice.MethodsWe searched the Web of Science database for literature related to labor and delivery experience published between its establishment and December 20, 2024, and conducted bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace software.ResultsAfter screening, 1089 papers were included in the analysis, and the number of annual publications showed a growing trend, reaching its highest in 2024. The United States and Sweden dominated the list. The research hotspots focused on maternal mental health, delivery methods, and quality of Intrapartum care.ConclusionThe field of birth experiences is currently undergoing rapid development, with leading trends including innovations in delivery methods, prenatal care, research in the cognitive neuroscience of childbirth, and a focus on mothers undergoing induced labor and those in low-income areas to optimize the overall birth experience.

IntroductionDepression and anxiety are leading contributors to the global burden of disease among women yet help-seeking for mental health concerns remains limited in lower-middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and help-seeking behaviors, and to identify factors associated with the absence of help-seeking among ever-married women of reproductive age in Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using nationally representative data from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 screening tools. Help-seeking behavior was defined as any attempt to obtain external support for mental health concerns. Multivariable logistic regression models, accounting for survey design and sampling weights, were used to examine predictors of not seeking help following Behavioral Model of Health Services Use by Andersen and Davidson.ResultsAmong 19,987 women aged 15–49 years, 5.1% reported depression, 19.7% reported anxiety, and 20.4% had either condition. Only 20.5% of those with anxiety or depression reported help-seeking, predominantly from informal sources such as family and neighbors. Rural residence, older age, and a professional diagnosis of anxiety were associated with increased help-seeking, while low health autonomy and residence in the Barishal division were linked to lower help-seeking. Formal help-seeking was rare, and significant regional disparities were observed. One in five ever-married women of reproductive age in Bangladesh experiences anxiety or depression, but help-seeking remains low, especially for formal services.DiscussionInformal networks play a critical role in support. Interventions should address contextual and individual barriers, strengthen social support, and improve access to mental health care, particularly in underserved regions.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2025.1590414.].

ObjectiveThis retrospective study investigated the characteristics of endometrial polyps identified during incomplete abortion management and evaluated differences between these polyps and retained products of conception.MethodsPatients with intrauterine retention within 4 months after abortion were enrolled in this study between January 2019 and December 2024. Twenty-six patients with pathologically confirmed endometrial polyps were included in the case group, while fifty-two patients with confirmed retained products of conception (RPOC) comprised the control group. The groups were matched in a 1:2 ratio based on gestational age (±1 week).ResultsTwenty-six study group patients were included; 69.2% (18/26) were nulliparous. Abortions occurred in gestational age of 6–14 weeks. No polyps were identified prior to subsequent surgical intervention. Hysteroscopy was performed on 24 women. In hysteroscopic cases, no endometrial polyp was larger than 2 centimeters in size. Compared with control group, the study group had lower gravidity (1 [0–3] vs. 2 [0–8], p = 0.025) and lower serum β-hCG levels (3.67 [0–799.1] mIU/ml vs. 21.08 [0–901.2] mIU/ml, p = 0.004). Ultrasonography indicated a lower rate of abundant blood flow (7.7% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.001) and smaller intrauterine volume (1.93 ± 2.55 cm3 vs. 5.42 ± 4.94 cm3, p = 0.001) in the study group. Additionally, the study group had a significantly longer interval from pregnancy termination to subsequent surgical intervention (51.5 ± 31.7 days vs. 38.2 ± 14.9 days, p < 0.001).ConclusionsEndometrial polyps should be considered in stable women after abortion with intrauterine retention present with low blood flow on doppler, low β-hCG levels, and prolonged retention, especially in women with lower gravidity. Hysteroscopy is recommended for accurate diagnosis and proper management, preventing unnecessary treatment for presumed retained products of conception.

IntroductionDespite available safe hormonal and non-hormonal interventions, most women with troublesome menopausal symptoms do not receive effective, evidence-based therapy, with notable international disparities in provision. This study aimed to investigate self-reported menopausal care experiences in a self-selecting sample from five English-speaking countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, through an anonymous online survey.MethodsThe 15–20 min survey, delivered via Qualtrics XM®, included questions on sociodemographic characteristics and treatment experiences, such as the number of healthcare professionals (HCP) seen before getting a prescription, ease of obtaining treatment, involvement in treatment discussions, appropriateness of treatment review and optimization, side effect tolerability, and overall satisfaction.ResultsData from 3,062 respondents were analyzed: Australia (16.59%, n = 508), Canada (17.54%, n = 537), New Zealand (16.59%, n = 508), UK (24.00%, n = 735), and US (25.28%, n = 774). Significant international differences were observed in both healthcare access and prescribing patterns. More women in the UK and US consulted an HCP compared with Australia, Canada, and New Zealand [χ²(4, N = 3062) = 101.02, p < 0.001, φc = 0.18]. Prescription rates were higher in New Zealand, the UK, and the US compared with Australia and Canada [χ²(4, N = 2,485) = 75.71, p < 0.001, φc = 0.18]. However, UK respondents, despite longer treatment use, generally reported less involvement in treatment discussions, poorer treatment review, lower side effect tolerability, and reduced satisfaction compared with other countries across treatment types.DiscussionBased on a self-selected cohort, these findings reveal critical gaps in menopause care, including disparities in treatment access and international differences in patient involvement. Greater access to healthcare in the UK and the US did not translate into higher satisfaction, highlighting the need for patient-centered approaches. Improving care requires better clinician education and strategies to enhance communication and shared decision-making.

Background and aimThe novel coronavirus pandemic has notably affected the psychological health of antenatal women, heightening their vulnerability to stress and raising questions about the impact of vaccination and fetal health outcomes. This study aims to examine the relationship between stress, resilience, and social support among antenatal women in Jordan during the novel coronavirus pandemic.MethodologyUsing a cross-sectional approach, 434 antenatal women were surveyed in November 2021. Participants were recruited through digital platforms, including social media (Facebook and Instagram). Eligibility criteria were participants should be at least 18 years old, pregnant, living in Jordan, and proficient in English.ResultsThe mean perceived stress score among participants was 24.3 ± 4.4, with nearly half (49.3%) experiencing difficulty focusing, 48.9% finding daily tasks stressful, and 45.9% having trouble falling asleep. The mean social support score was 39.3 ± 9.1; the highest-rated support item was having someone available to drive them to a doctor. Pearson correlation revealed a significant positive association between resilience and social support (r = 0.565, p < 0.01). Regression analysis identified later trimester, lack of insurance, and negative life changes during the pandemic as significant predictors of higher stress among pregnant women. These findings highlight that antenatal women in Jordan experienced considerable stress and moderate social support during the pandemic, and that social support is linked to higher resilience.ConclusionAntenatal women have experienced persistently high levels of anxiety and stress throughout the novel coronavirus pandemic. The mental health impacts are closely related to pandemic-driven factors such as isolation, interpersonal difficulties, and financial strain. Addressing these psychological outcomes and associated risk factors is essential before they worsen and impact both mothers and their unborn children.

BackgroundCultural beliefs and power relationships existing in family daily practices significantly influence the health behaviors and outcomes of pregnant women. The role of family hierarchy and shamanic practices in shaping maternal health behaviors. In rural Indonesian communities, limited access to education and health literacy among women and their families hinders informed decision-making, increasing the risk of maternal and neonatal complications and death. This study approach, informed by the Foucauldian view of power relationships within family dynamics, aimed to explore the cultural norms and daily practices that contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes.MethodA qualitative ethnographic study was conducted in Banjarnegara, Indonesia. Seventy participants—including pregnant women, their husbands, health cadres, and midwives—were recruited from three Public Health Centers (PHCs). Data collection involved 12 focus group discussions (FGDs), field observations, and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed by utilizing discourse analysis that highlighting communication and interactions of pregnant women with family members and health cadres who are assigend to support the women. This study was reported according to the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).ResultsThematic using discourse analysis revealed three primary themes: 1) daily activities of pregnant women, 2) family hierarchy and power dynamics, and 3) cultural practices involving shamans during pregnancy. The most frequently coded subthemes were cultural food practices (48.6%); activity-related practices (37.1%); family dominance (28.6%); shamanic practices (15.7%); practices related to rest and sleep (14.3%); and lack of reproductive control (14.3%).ConclusionPregnant women were often subject to culturally driven food taboos and restrictive physical routines, heavily influenced by family hierarchies and power relationships existing in their families—particularly mothers-in-law and husbands. These influences extended to decisions about reproductive health and prenatal care, sometimes leading to unplanned pregnancies and unsafe practices. The role of shamans, while culturally significant, poses risks when traditional methods conflict with scientific standards of care. Strengthening communication between healthcare providers and families, promoting culturally sensitive education, and empowering women through targeted interventions are essential to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in these communities.