The COVID19 pandemic has changed women's experiences of pregnancy in the UK

ABSTRACT

IntroductionDuring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, maternity care has been substantially altered to reduce transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Many antenatal services are now restricted or delivered online, and visiting has been restricted during labour and in the postnatal period. MethodsWe conducted an online survey from 1st August to 31st December 2020 to investigate the experiences of women who were pregnant or breastfeeding in the UK during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The survey included 55 open and closed questions and required 5 minutes to complete. We publicised the survey using social media. ResultsWe received 96 responses, including 66 currently pregnant women and 22 women who were pregnant during the pandemic. The response rate was 70.1% of survey views. We found mixed experiences of the impact of the pandemic on antenatal and perinatal care, notably with some women feeling visiting restrictions were insufficient and others feeling they were too strict. Twenty-nine women received no information about COVID-19, and 6 women found it very difficult to find information. Thirty-nine women would have liked to have more information about breastfeeding after a pregnancy affected by COVID-19, and 37 women wanted more information about antibody persistence and transfer. DiscussionAdditional support is required for pregnant and lactating women during the current pandemic. Provision of information and support, including via social media, may improve womens experiences of pregnancy in the current environment. SignificanceMaternity services in the UK have been significantly restructured to prevent transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including restrictions to in-person antenatal care, and perinatal visiting. It is not fully known how these changes are perceived by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Reactions to changes in antenatal care are mixed, including whether restrictions were too lenient or too strict. Most women underwent online antenatal care in addition in-person visits. Some received no information about COVID-19, and a significant proportion of women would have liked more information, particularly regarding antibody transfer and benefits of breastfeeding during the pandemic. Ethical statementThis study was approved by North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee