Antenatal care experiences of uninfected pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative systematic review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is a limited understanding of pregnant women's antenatal care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. PURPOSE: To review and synthesize qualitative studies on uninfected pregnant women's antenatal care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Five databases were searched for qualitative studies published between January 2020 and January 2023. This study used a thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence and was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Furthermore, this review was registered with PROSPERO and a quality appraisal was assessed. RESULTS: Nine published qualitative studies were included in this review. The studies were conducted in eight countries and included 3,709 participants. Five themes were identified (a) disruptions of normal antenatal care services, (b) feelings of uncertainty, (c) desire for sufficient spousal support, (d) coping strategies, and (e) trust in health care providers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The themes can be utilized to reform current interventions for pregnant women by nurse-midwife managers and by health care policymakers to improve current practice and direct new research to prepare for future pandemics.