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Objective: The current study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of mild SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women with abnormal liver function (ALF), explore the association between ALF with maternal and fetal outcomes. Method(s): This retrospective analysis included 87 pregnant patients with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted and treated from December 1, 2022, to 31, 2022 in the department of Obestircs at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. We evaluated patients for demographic and clinical features, laboratory parameters and pregnancy complications. Result(s): 27 Patients in this cohort had clinical presentations of ALF. Compared with the control group, the peripheral blood platelet (PLT), D-dimer quantitative determination (D-Dimer), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), indirect bilirubin (DBIL), gamma- glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) and total bile acid (TBA) showed significantly differences (p<0.05). 12 cases (44.44%) complicated with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), 14 cases (51.85%) complicated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), 2 cases (7.4%) complicated with acute fatty liver during pregnancy (AFLP) and 5 cases (14.81%) complicated with postpartum hemorrhage in patients with abnormal LFT were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Compared with the control group, the incidence of premature delivery (22.22%) and fetal distress (37.04%) in the experiment group were significantly higher (p<0.05), and the incidence of neonatal asphyxia was not significantly different (p>0.05). Conclusion(s): Pregnant women are generally susceptible to mild SARS-CoV-2 and may induce ALF. ALF is associated with increased risk of mother and infant. The maternal and infant outcomes of those who terminated pregnancy in time are acceptable. Therefore, pregnant women with COVID-19 who received antiviral treatment should be closely monitored for evaluating liver function and relevant indicators. The long-term outcomes in the future are worth to further study.Copyright © 2023
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INTRODUCTION: Group therapy interventions have shown to improve scores on postpartum depression and anxiety inventories. Our institution underwent transition from in-person (IP) to virtual platform (VP) over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's objective is to examine whether VP has similar participation rates and outcomes as IP. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of women who attended the perinatal mood disorders (PMD) support group. Between January 2019 and June 2021, the group transitioned from IP to VP sessions. Participants attending both IP and VP sessions were excluded. The participation rates and outcomes of IP and VP support groups were compared. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) and Mills Inventory (MI) were used to assess clinical improvement. P value of.05 is considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-seven women (85 [62%] IP and 52 [38%] VP) participated. Baseline characteristics were similar (P >.05). Most of the participants were 1–6 months postpartum (P =.38). The average number of sessions attended by IP was 3.86 versus 3.76 by VP (P =.41). The preintervention average EPDS scores were 15.56 in IP versus 14.76 in VP (P =.79), and MI scores were 52.48 (IP) versus 46.06 in VP (P =.07). The EPDS and MI mean scores decreased postintervention. The average decrease in EPDS score is 5.08 in IP versus 6 in VP (P =.36). The average decrease in MI score is 17.86 in IP versus 15.56 in VP (P =.25). CONCLUSION: The VP has similar participation and outcomes as IP format. The VP is a feasible and effective method of delivering support to women with PMD. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
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Background: Women are most at risk for Clostridium difficile infection in the early postpartum period. Clostridium difficile-associated colitis may be mistaken for the intestinal form of COVID-19 during the ongoing novel coronavirus infection pandemic. Case report: The paper describes a clinical case of a female patient diagnosed with the novel coronavirus infection and Clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis in the early postpartum period. It depicts the diagnosis and treatment of the identified concurrent pathology. It demonstrates data from of an endoscopic examination of the colon and spiral computed tomography of the chest and provides laboratory confirmation of the infectious etiology of comorbidity. There are data available in the literature on the high rate and recurrent course of pseudomembranous colitis in the early postpartum period. It is noted that timely C. difficile eradication and pathogenetic treatment for the novel coronavirus infection allow relief of clinical symptoms. Conclusion(s): The case of the novel coronavirus infection concurrent with Clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis in the early postpartum period is of interest in connection with the need for differential diagnosis of the etiology of diarrheal syndrome, the precise identification of which determines the further tactics of patient management and the nature of anti-epidemic measures.Copyright © A group of authors, 2021.
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Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably impacted individuals' lives, extensively from mental and socioeconomic aspects, that requires someone to adapt. For postpartum mothers who also need to go through the maternal psychological adaptation phase, the pandemic could impose overwhelming emotional tension on them, increasing the risk of experiencing postpartum blues. This study aims to analyze the relationship between social factors that are affected during a pandemic with the incidence of postpartum blues on screening test results during the transition period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Banyumanik, Semarang. Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Banyumanik, Semarang, from November to December 2022.39 subjects were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. The dependent variable is postpartum blues. The independent variables include marital status, employment status of the mother, employment status of the spouse, and family income level. The study instrument was EPDS questionnaire. The data were analyzed used Chi-square. Results: Out of 39 subjects, 13 (33.3%) were experiencing postpartum blues, and 26 (66.7%) were not experiencing it. Mother's employment status associated with postpartum blues. Mothers who unemployed have a risk of experiencing postpartum blues 1.65 times compared to employed, but these were not statistically significant (OR= 1.65;95% CI= 0.40 to 6.77;p= 0.727). Family income level associated with postpartum blues. Mothers with low to moderate family income reduced postpartum blues by 0.73 times compared to mothers with high income levels, but these were not statistically significant (OR= 0.73;95%CI= 0.19 to 2.80;p= 0.908). Meanwhile, marital status and spouse employment status were not related to the incidence of postpartum blues. Conclusion: Mother's employment status and family income status associated with postpartum blues. Meanwhile, marital status and spouse employment status were not related to the incidence of postpartum blues.
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Aim: Standard diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM) is based on the Oral Glucose Tolerance test (OGTT). During the Covid-19 outbreak, due to Covid restrictions, criteria were modified i.e Fasting Blood Glucose >=5.3 and/ or HbA1c >= 39 for diagnosis of GDM. After the lifting of the Covid restrictions, the standard criteria were reimplemented and on analyzing the data, it was highlighted that some of the patients could have tested negative for GDM based on Covid Criteria. Method(s): We analyzed the data of 43 patients based on standard criteria (OGTT and HbA1c) after Covid restrictions, with the following results. Result(s): 11/43(28%) patients who were diagnosed on the basis of standard criteria could have been missed based on Covid criteria. Out of 11 deliveries, 2 babies with weight above 4 kg. There were no admissions to NICU. One patient had postpartum hemorrhage with 670 mL of blood loss. Conclusion(s): This was a retrospective study in which we analyzed the data of 45 pregnant females diagnosed with GDM based on testing using the Covid criteria and compared this to 43 pregnant females who were diagnosed with GDM on the basis of OGTT based on GOLD standard NICE criteria. In addition, we also examined maternal and obstetric outcomes in both groups such as the mode of delivery, the baby's birth weight, the incidence of shoulder dystocia, mean blood loss (MBL), and NICU admission. We understand that Covid GDM diagnosis was a necessity of time. In this study, we want to learn what could have been missed with that diagnostic criteria. For future pandemics, we need to revise our diagnostic criteria to avoid the risk of underdiagnosing GDM and associated complications.
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Background. Postpartum mothers' mental health has a significant role in mothers' well-being and child's growth and develop-ment. This issue is worsened during a pandemic when social restrictions are regulated, resulting in perceived stress, baby blues, postpartum depression, and other mental health issues. Objective. This study intends to investigate postpartum moth-ers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This study's methodology is a scoping review using the prism-ScR checklist, the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool, and a population, exposure, outcome framework. It uses 4 databases: Pubmed, Willey, Proquest, and ScienceDirect;its inclusion criteria is original English articles that can be accessed in full text between 2020 and 2022. Results. Out of 190 publications, we found 7 that are pertinent to the research goals. Qualitative research, cross-sectional studies, and longitudinal studies make up the research. The mapping result includes 4 themes: the types of mental health problems experi-enced by postpartum moms during the Pandemic, risk and predic-tive factors, postpartum mothers' experiences, and the effects of mothers' mental health problems. Conclusion. After giving birth, most mothers experience stress, anxiety, and depression. Postpartum mental health concerns are influenced by isolation, social exclusion, and crises. The cre-ation of a customized plan for early assistance for a woman's mental health requirements, as well as the establishment of an accessi-ble mental health provider, including medical personnel and medical facilities, is advised for pregnant and postpartum women. only.Copyright © the Author(s), 2023.
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Ab s t r ac t Aim: The aim of this study was to summarize different types of benefits that have been observed in the baby's development and the mother's psychological health during the postpartum period. Background(s): Breastfeeding is a natural process that plays a vital role in the physical as well as mental health of the mother and child. Breast milk is rich in contents such as proteins, fats, and vitamins, which are responsible for building the immune system of the baby. Lactation helps in decreasing the prevalence of infant mortality rate. It enhances the development of the physical health of the children. Breastfeeding protects the mother from many systemic conditions like endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, etc. It has been observed that with an increase in healthy breastfeeding practices, there is a decline in the cases of maternal mental health issues reported mainly in the postpartum period. Review result: The authors have explained various types of advantages of breastfeeding on the child's and mother's health, their mechanism of action, effects on the baby, and mother-child relationship. Conclusion(s): The mother's mental health plays a crucial role in a healthy infant, and breastfeeding is key to it. The role of breastfeeding is therefore considered a boon for the mother because if there is a decrease in health issues in the child, the mother's mental condition improves automatically. Therefore, breastfeeding should be promoted at the national level. Clinical significance: Breastfeeding not only helps in reducing maternal stress and postpartum depression but also improves the physical health of the child and mother during the postpartum period. The clinicians should teach mothers about the importance and also the correct positions of breastfeeding. "Breastfeeding week" is celebrated every year from August 1 to August 7, as implemented by the Indian government.Copyright © The Author(s). 2023 Open Access.
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Background. The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Indonesia is still a health problem that must be solved. In 2018 and 2019, the postpartum period still dominates maternal mortality in Surabaya. The postpartum visit method is one of the essential things that can affect postpartum services, so it is necessary to evaluate the implementation of the postpartum visit method and recommend visiting methods to improve maternal health. Objective.The study explores the implementation and recommendation of postpartum visit methods during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Materials and Methods. It used a qualitative research type by assessing the interview and observation dept. The instruments used are questionnaires and observation sheets. Researchers conducted interviews with 14 mothers who had completed the postpartum period, five midwives, a stakeholder in the health office and two experts in the field of maternal health. The data is processed using organizing, reduction, coding, description, linking between themes, and data interpretation. Results. Offline visits to health facilities still dominate the implementation of the postpartum visit method. The recommended postpartum visit method combines visits to health facilities, home visits, and telehealth. Besides that, it is necessary to consider maternal postpartum services up to 3 months after delivery, especially for postpartum mothers who have problems. Conclusion. The postpartum visit method during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not run optimally because there are restrictions on offline visits. However, it has not been supported by online monitoring or home visits.Copyright © the Author(s), 2023.
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Social support is an influential component of postpartum recovery, adjustment, and bonding, which was disrupted by social distancing recommendations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports on changes in the availability of social support for postpartum women during the pandemic, investigates how those changes may have contributed to postpartum mental health, and probes how specific types of social support buffered against poor postpartum mental health and maternal-infant bonding impairment. Participants were 833 pregnant patients receiving prenatal care in an urban USA setting and using an electronic patient portal to access self-report surveys at two time points, during pregnancy (April-July 2020) and at ~12 weeks postpartum (August 2020-March 2021). Measures included an assessment of COVID-19 pandemic-related change in social support, sources of social support, ratings of emotional and practical support, and postpartum outcomes including depression, anxiety, and maternal-infant bonding. Overall self-reported social support decreased during the pandemic. Decreased social support was associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and impaired parent-infant bonding. Among women reporting low practical support, emotional support appeared to protect against clinically significant depressive symptoms and impaired bonding with the infant. Decreases in social support are associated with a risk for poor postpartum mental health outcomes and impaired maternal-infant bonding. Evaluation and promotion of social support are recommended for healthy adjustment and functioning of postpartum women and families.
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COVID-19 , Depression, Postpartum , Pregnancy , Infant , Female , Humans , Pandemics , Mother-Child Relations/psychology , Postpartum Period/psychology , Depression, Postpartum/psychology , Anxiety/psychology , Social Support , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Depression/psychologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the pregnant and postpartum experiences of Black women in the United States to inform the development of a web-based mobile tool. METHODS: Participants were recruited through Facebook Groups. There were a total of 19 women that participated in one of five focus group discussions. Participants ranged from being in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy through 6 months postpartum. Thematic content analysis was performed to identify emerging themes. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the focus group discussions: beliefs about postpartum motherhood, experiences during pregnancy, experiences of the postpartum period, and tool recommendations. Key results from these themes demonstrated the difficulties that women faced in having their concerns resolved by healthcare professionals, receiving adequate educational and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and having adequate information to help breastfeed and cope with changes they experienced throughout the postpartum period. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the difficulties that Black women experienced throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. The main findings show that women lacked support in receiving information about the postpartum period, had their concerns dismissed by healthcare professionals, and received inadequate support. These findings can inform the practice of healthcare professionals and inform the development of other non-clinical, digital resources to fill in these gaps. Future research in this area is planned to further develop and pilot the tool among a broader population of women.
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BACKGROUND: As a COVID-19 risk mitigation measure, Australia closed its international borders for two years with significant socioeconomic disruption including impacting approximately 30% of the Australian population who are migrants. Migrant populations during the peripartum often rely on overseas relatives visiting for social support. High quality social support is known to lead to improved health outcomes with disruption to support a recognised health risk. AIM: To explore women's experience of peripartum social support during the COVID-19 pandemic in a high migrant population. To quantify type and frequency of support to identify characteristics of vulnerable perinatal populations for future pandemic preparedness. METHODS: A mixed methods study with semi-structured interviews and a quantitative survey was conducted from October 2020 to April 2021. A thematic approach was used for analysis. RESULTS: There were 24 participants interviewed both antenatally and postnatally (22 antenatal; 18 postnatal). Fourteen women were migrants and 10 Australian born. Main themes included; 'Significant disruption and loss of peripartum support during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing impact for migrant women'; 'Husbands/partners filling the support gap' and 'Holding on by a virtual thread'. Half of the participants felt unsupported antenatally. For Australian born women, this dissipated postnatally, but migrants continued to feel unsupported. Migrant women discussed partners stepped into traditional roles and duties of absent mothers and mothers-in-law who were only available virtually. CONCLUSION: This study identified disrupted social support for migrant women during the pandemic, providing further evidence that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted migrant populations. However, the benefits identified in this study included high use of virtual support, which could be leveraged for improving clinical care in the present and in future pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted most women's peripartum social support with migrant families having ongoing disruption. Gains in the pandemic included greater gender equity for domestic work as husbands/partners increased their contribution to domestic work and childcare.
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COVID-19 , Transients and Migrants , Female , Pregnancy , Humans , Pandemics , Australia/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , MothersABSTRACT
With COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy at around 50% in the obstetric population, it is critical to identify which women should be addressed and how. Our study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccination willingness among pregnant and postpartum women in Europe and to investigate associated determinants. This study was a cross-sectional, web-based survey conducted in Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom (UK) in June-August 2021. Among 3194 pregnant women, the proportions of women vaccinated or willing to be vaccinated ranged from 80.5% in Belgium to 21.5% in Norway. The associated characteristics were country of residence, chronic illness, history of flu vaccine, trimester of pregnancy, belief that COVID-19 is more severe during pregnancy, and belief that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective and safe during pregnancy. Among 1659 postpartum women, the proportions of women vaccinated or willing to be vaccinated ranged from 86.0% in the UK to 58.6% in Switzerland. The associated determinants were country of residence, chronic illness, history of flu vaccine, breastfeeding, and belief that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe during breastfeeding. Vaccine hesitancy in the obstetric population depends on medical history and especially on the opinion that the vaccine is safe and on the country of residence.
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COVID-19 , Influenza Vaccines , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics , VaccinationABSTRACT
Postpartum infectious complications can present with a wide range of nonspecific symptoms. Herein, we describe a complicated late postpartum presentation of recurrent fever following a cesarean delivery complicated by chorioamnionitis. Following discharge, the patient experienced cyclical fever and was treated with antipyretics as an outpatient. The patient continued to experience symptoms and reported to the hospital for further evaluation. Initially thought to be septic pelvic thrombophlebitis, the patient was trialed on clindamycin and gentamycin without resolution of symptoms. After extensive evaluation, the fevers were found to be the result of an infected periuterine hematoma and a concomitant subcapsular inferior hepatic abscess. Bacterial cultures isolated two rare anaerobic organisms: Peptoniphilus ssp. and Finegoldia magna. Source control was achieved by drainage of the two abscesses followed by antibiotic treatment with ertapenem and metronidazole, and the patient recovered successfully. This is the first reported case, to the authors' knowledge, of this complicated postpartum picture due to these anaerobic organisms.
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BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality is a public health crisis in the U.S., with no improvement in decades and worsening disparities during COVID-19. Social determinants of health (SDoH) shape risk for morbidity and mortality but maternal structural and SDoH are under-researched using population health data. To expand knowledge of those at risk for or who have experienced maternal morbidity and inform clinical, policy, and legislative action, creative use of and leveraging existing population health datasets is logical and needed. METHODS: We review a sample of population health datasets and highlight recommended changes to the datasets or data collection to better inform existing gaps in maternal health research. RESULTS: Across each of the datasets we found insufficient representation of pregnant and postpartum individuals and provide recommendations to enhance these datasets to inform maternal health research. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant and postpartum individuals should be oversampled in population health data to facilitate rapid policy and program evaluation. Postpartum individuals should no longer be hidden within population health datasets. Individuals with pregnancies resulting in outcomes other than livebirth (e.g., abortion, stillbirth, miscarriage) should be included, or asked about these experiences.
SIGNIFICANCE: We review population health datasets and provide recommendations that would enable maternal health researchers to unlock the full potential of these datasets by exploring the influence of structural factors and SDoH on maternal health among under-researched groups.
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This study examined the prevalence and coping strategies of Postnatal Depression (PND) among mothers in Bayelsa, the state of Nigeria. The general aim was to describe the level of PND experienced by women and the methods they adopt to cope with this syndrome. This study was a cross-sectional survey of 345 women with babies between 1-6 weeks old. The women were selected purposively at health and maternity centres and clinics in Bayelsa state. A structured questionnaire was used in data collection. The data gathered were analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses at a p=0.05 level of significance. The prevalence rate of PND ranged from mild depression (37.7%), moderate depression (3.5%) to severe depression (3.2%). There is a statistically significant relationship between socio-demographic variables and PND among mothers (p=0.000). PND prevalent among the study population exerts adverse effects on the health and cognitive development of the mother and child. However, the strategies adopted by mothers to cope with PND ranged from social support to music therapy. This study recommended that counselling of mothers during and after childbirth should be carried out as part of the routine for mothers and childcare.
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Addressing maternal malnutrition and its drivers is paramount in Southeast Asia. This article summarizes the key clinical learnings and evidence-based opinions from the experts to understand the need for vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care from preconception to the first 1000 days of life, which warranted further attention since COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence describing the importance of vitamins and minerals during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation stages was identified using literature databases. A pre-meeting survey was conducted to determine the current practices and challenges in Southeast Asia. Based on the literature review and clinical experience, experts defined the topics, and an online meeting was held on 13th July 2021. During the meeting, nine experts from Southeast Asia provided evidence-based opinion on the vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care need during preconception, pregnancy, and lactation stages. The expert opinions underpin maternal malnutrition as a prevalent issue and discuss appropriate interventions and prevention strategies for women in Southeast Asia. The recent pandemic further impacted nutrition status, pregnancy, and neonatal health outcomes. The expert panel emphasized a need to improve existing inadequacies in education, self-care, and social support, and discussed the role of policymakers in addressing the barriers to dietary changes. As inadequacies in regular vitamins and minerals supplementation, education, and self-care for women of reproductive age implicate maternal and child health outcomes, there is an urgent need for addressing malnutrition concerns in this population. Thus, a strong partnership between policymakers, healthcare professionals, and other relevant sectors is required.
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OBJECTIVE: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are 50% more likely to develop type II diabetes (T2D) within 6 months to 2 years after giving birth. Therefore, international guidelines recommend it is best practice for women diagnosed with GDM to attend screening for T2D 6-12 weeks postpartum and every 1-3 years thereafter for life. However, uptake of postpartum screening is suboptimal. This study will explore the facilitators of and barriers to attending postpartum screening for T2D that women experience. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective qualitative cohort study using thematic analysis. METHODS: A total of 27 in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted over the telephone with women who had recent GDM. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Facilitators of and barriers to attending postpartum screening were identified at three different levels: personal, intervention, and healthcare systems level. The most common facilitators identified were concern for their own health and having the importance of screening explained to them by a health professional. The most common barriers identified were confusion over the test and COVID-19. CONCLUSION: This study identified several facilitators of and barriers to attending postpartum screening. These findings will help to inform research and interventions for improving rates of attendance at postpartum screening to reduce the subsequent risk of developing T2D.
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Postpartum mood disorders (PPMDs) can result in significant negative impacts for the mother, baby, and family. Nurses can be trained to effectively screen for and educate patients about PPMDs. However, available data suggest that clinical opportunities for practicing these important conversations in real-time can be limited. Focused practice discussing PPMDs with patients may improve a nurse's confidence to conduct screenings and help reduce stigma regarding PPMDs. When in-person clinical learning opportunities are limited, simulated patient encounters can serve as useful and accessible alternatives. Though traditional simulations are often conducted in-person with an actor, they can also be offered to students via a virtual platform. This article describes the creation of two virtual simulated patient encounters (vSPEs) designed to improve prelicensure nursing students' confidence in screening and caring for patients at risk for PPMDs. These vSPEs were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to fulfill required labor and birth/postpartum clinical rotation hours. A thorough description of the vSPE design and implementation is provided to encourage nursing and other health professions educators to explore a virtual approach to training students to screen and care for postpartum patients with suspected PPMDs.
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OBJECTIVE: To determine levels of postpartum depression symptoms and possible relevant predictors, such as death anxiety, health anxiety, and coronavirus-related anxiety. DESIGN: Cross-sectional web-based survey using quantitative methods. SETTING: Exclusively online recruiting via social media and unpaid cross-posting conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania. PARTICIPANTS: Women were eligible to take part in the study if they were mothers over the age of 18 and had a baby aged between 4 weeks - 12 months of age; 1024 women were included in the final sample. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: Health anxiety, death anxiety, coronavirus-related anxiety, and postpartum depression symptoms were measured using validated instruments. Current depression symptomatology was 67.6%, 26.7% scored above the cut-off for high health anxiety, 1% for coronavirus-related anxiety, and 62.7% for death anxiety. Significant predictors for depressive symptomatology were breastfeeding, history of depression, family income, number of children, health anxiety, death anxiety, and coronavirus anxiety. Further, hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that death anxiety, health anxiety, and coronavirus anxiety predicted postpartum depression symptoms over and above socio-demographic factors. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Supported by previous studies, our results suggest that postpartum depression symptomatology levels during the COVID-19 pandemic are high and that they are predicted by health and death anxiety, which are also increased during the pandemic. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: The findings provide information to identify the risk for depression symptoms in postpartum mothers during acute public health situations.
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Aims: This study examines the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on postpartum mothers in England, with the aim of identifying opportunities to improve maternal experience and wellbeing. The postpartum/postnatal period is widely acknowledged as a time when mothers require greater levels of support from multiple sources. However, stay-at-home orders, commonly known as "lockdown," deployed in some countries to limit COVID-19 transmission reduced access to support. In England, many postpartum mothers navigated household isolation within an intensive mothering and expert parenting culture. Examining the impact of lockdown may reveal strengths and weaknesses in current policy and practice. Subject and methods: We conducted online focus groups involving 20 mothers living in London, England, with "lockdown babies," following up on our earlier online survey on social support and maternal wellbeing. We thematically analysed focus group transcripts, and identified key themes around Lockdown Experience and Determinants of Lockdown Experience. Results: Participants raised some positives of lockdown, including fostering connections and protection from external expectations, but also raised many negatives, including social isolation, institutional abandonment, and intense relationships within the household. Potential reasons behind variations in lockdown experience include physical environments, timing of birth, and number of children. Our findings reflect how current systems may be "trapping" some families into the male-breadwinner/female-caregiver family model, while intensive mothering and expert parenting culture may be increasing maternal stress and undermining responsive mothering. Conclusions: Facilitating partners to stay at home during the postpartum period (e.g., increasing paternity leave and flexible working) and establishing peer/community support to decentre reliance on professional parenting experts may promote positive postpartum maternal experience and wellbeing. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-023-01922-4.