Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antenatal Care

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess how the antenatal population of a hospital was affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Place and Duration of Study Antenatal Clinic of Government Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, for the month of August 2020. Methodology: The population in the antenatal clinic of a hospital were given a questionnaire with simple directed questions after consent. Results: All (150, 100%) of the antenatal population received their COVID-19 pandemic information from television. Most 147 (98%) did not feel embarrassed if they contracted COVID-19 infection, and 147 (98%) took precautions against it. The majority, 146 (97%) of women, had an antenatal check-up. Out of the total, 126 (84%) had a private check-up, but only 36 (24%) had more private visits than prior pregnancies. A significant number, 56 (37%), had to spend more than in prior pregnancies, but only 28 (18.6%) had fewer antenatal visits than before. Most 141 (94%) of women wanted a higher frequency of antenatal visits than the recommended 08 visits by the WHO. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic did not affect antenatal care because of a well-established private health care system. The patients in prior pregnancies were already using the private sector. © 2022, Army Medical College. All rights reserved.