Women’s experiences of maternity care in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic: A follow-up systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

Women and Birth, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 37(3), P. 101588 - 101588

Published: March 1, 2024

Maternity care services in the United Kingdom have undergone drastic changes due to pandemic-related restrictions. Prior research has shown maternity during pandemic was negatively experienced by women and led poor physical mental health outcomes pregnancy. A synthesis is required of published on women's experiences latter half COVID-19 pandemic.

Language: Английский

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breastfeeding Support Services and Women’s Experiences of Breastfeeding: A Review

International Journal of Women s Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: Volume 14, P. 1447 - 1457

Published: Oct. 1, 2022

The aim of this systematic review was to explore the impact COVID-19 pandemic on breastfeeding support services and continuation rates.Electronic searches were undertaken in seven databases: Academic Search Complete, Springer Nature Journals, CINAHL Medline, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Masterfile premier, SocINDEX. Publications following between January 2020 March 2022 searched for using keywords: or effect influence coronavirus. Fifteen studies included investigation extracted identify themes related during COVID-19.Factors which impacted separation, lack skin-to-skin contact, insufficient support, online rates experiences, fears pandemic, need additional support. mostly influenced negatively, with a small exception occurring where some mothers experienced lockdown as positive since it protected mother-infant dyad from unwanted visitors. Virtual introduced many contexts; however, practitioners reported that could not replace face-to-face support.Breastfeeding is lifesaving intervention, especially face disruption such pandemic. This work highlights clear, consistent, evidence-based information about risks, key practices be maintained including separating infants, promoting ensuring availability high-quality

Language: Английский

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Disparities in Mistreatment During Childbirth

JAMA Network Open, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7(4), P. e244873 - e244873

Published: April 4, 2024

Importance Lack of respectful maternity care may be a key factor associated with disparities in maternal health. However, mistreatment during childbirth has not been widely documented the US. Objectives To estimate prevalence by health professionals among representative multistate sample and to identify patient characteristics experiences. Design, Setting, Participants This cross-sectional study used survey data collected from respondents 2020 Pregnancy Risk Monitoring System 6 states New York City who had live birth participated Postpartum Assessment Health Survey at 12 14 months’ post partum. Data were January 1, 2021, March 31, 2022. Exposures Demographic, social, clinical, that have patients’ Main Outcomes Measures Any childbirth, as measured Mistreatment Care Providers Childbirth scale, validated measure self-reported experiences 8 types mistreatment. Survey-weighted rates any each indicator estimated, survey-weighted logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) 95% CIs. Results The included 4458 postpartum individuals 552 045 people births 7 jurisdictions. mean (SD) age was 29.9 (5.7) years, 2556 (54.4%) identified White, 2836 (58.8%) commercially insured. More than 1 (13.4% [95% CI, 11.8%-15.1%]) reported experiencing childbirth. most common type being “ignored, refused request for help, or failed respond timely manner” (7.6%; 6.5%-8.9%). Factors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer identifying (unadjusted OR [UOR], 2.3; 1.4-3.8), Medicaid insured (UOR, 1.4; 1.1-1.8), unmarried 0.8; 0.6-1.0), obese before pregnancy 1.3; 1.0-1.7); having an unplanned cesarean 1.6; 1.2-2.2), history substance use disorder 2.6; 1.3-5.1), experienced intimate partner family violence 1.3-4.2), mood 1.5; 1.1-2.2), giving COVID-19 public emergency 1.1-2.0). Associations race ethnicity, age, educational level, rural urban geography, immigration status, household income ambiguous. Conclusions Relevance found common. There is need patient-centered, multifaceted interventions address structural system factors negative

Language: Английский

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Trends in adverse pregnancy outcomes in Louisiana, 2017 to 2022

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: March 21, 2025

Natural disasters can lead to more adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). It is unclear if the extended COVID-19 pandemic has impacted APOs and pre-existing conditions among perinatal populations with increased risk of severe maternal morbidity mortality. A retrospective chart review was conducted hospital records birth certificates in largest Louisiana from 2017 2022. Amongst 27,877 births (50.9% White, 38.3% Black, 28.9 ± 5.6 years), gestational diabetes (GDM) lowest pre-pandemic conceptions (11.0%, June 2017-May 2019) rose 16.4% early (October 2019-February 2020) but leveled off at 12.2% peak (March 2020-February 2021) late 2021-September 2021). Individuals who conceived were 47% (95% CI 33, 63) 11% 2, 20) likely develop GDM respectively, compared conceptions. delivered during (aRR: 1.54, 95% 1.33–1.78), 1.48, 1.32–1.65), 1.62, 1.41, 1.85) preeclampsia HELLP syndrome also 17% 5, 32) enter chronic hypertension pre-pandemic. In paired analysis (n = 3390), individuals a conception that occurred had higher developing their (aOR 3.26, 1.52, 6.97). Supporting birthing amongst significant stressful events, especially gestation, critical for preventing

Language: Английский

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Midwives’ views and experiences of maternity care during COVID-19 in Ireland: A qualitative descriptive study

Midwifery, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 147, P. 104428 - 104428

Published: April 24, 2025

To explore and describe midwives' views experiences of maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. A qualitative descriptive study involving semi-structured interviews to gather data was undertaken. Interviews, which were held between September 2022 January 2023, digitally recorded transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis used analyse data. The setting a large urban unit (> 8000 births per year) Republic Midwives any grade, who involved providing women their families area hospital eligible for inclusion. invited take part via intranet advertisements that posted on notice boards throughout site. Thirteen midwives took study. Four major themes reflective identified. These were: 'Ever-evolving goalposts', 'Feeling vulnerable', 'Changing relationships' 'Challenges Philosophy Midwifery'. This highlights need consider impact services now future. As priority, embedding strategies support regain sustain psychological physical well-being, are required. Attending these factors may aid sustainable retention midwifery workforce, and, ultimately, act as protective crises could emerge, potentially,

Language: Английский

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Potentially traumatic childbirth experience, childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and the parent-infant relationship in non-birthing parents

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(1)

Published: Feb. 4, 2025

Abstract Background Non-birthing parents are typically present for the birth of their infants. Evidence suggests that some non-birthing may experience witnessing childbirth as traumatic, with going on to develop childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD). This study aimed explore associations between parents’ experiences childbirth, symptoms CB-PTSD, and parent-infant relationship. The COVID-19 pandemic context is considered throughout study, although it must be noted most data were not collected during UK lockdown restrictions. Methods A cross-sectional design was utilised. Participants who first infant, aged 6 weeks 12 months old. recruited through social media platforms via third-sector organisations, namely Dad Matters; a Home-Start project Birth Trauma Association. total 312 provided demographic details obstetric mother’s birth. They also completed questionnaires about they for, CB-PTSD symptoms, levels warmth invasion in Results Within this sample, 49% experienced potentially traumatic. Moreover, 10.1% met clinical criteria an additional 7% sub-clinical criteria. traumatic reported significantly higher felt greater sense relation infant. However, relationship statistically different two groups. had significant but warmth, mediated possible trauma Conclusions study’s sample revealed substantial proportion experiencing meeting criteria, incidence than previously literature. attributed implications pandemic. negatively associated feelings relationship, warmth. Future research should aim replicate routine samples from maternity settings.

Language: Английский

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Experiences of Canadian perinatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of open-ended survey responses

Women s Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 21

Published: April 1, 2025

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant socioeconomic and healthcare disruptions in Canada. policies local infection rates varied considerably across Canada’s geographically diverse, multijurisdictional system. Emergence of highly transmissible variants widespread vaccination mandates Fall 2021 further impacted life experiences pregnant people, particular, were challenged by outbreaks, Canadian hospital policies, public health restrictions. Objective: This study explored perinatal care the context pandemic. Design: Online, cross-sectional survey with qualitative analysis. Methods: Individuals after January 1, 2020 who received Canada participated our Pandemic Pregnancy Experiences eSurvey, September to February 2022. Open-ended responses qualitatively evaluated thematic content Codes identified both deductively inductively, categorized using principles woman-centered care, developed into major minor themes. Results: Prenatal from 362 participants, 234 participants also elaborating on their labor delivery (L&D) care. Major themes organized category as follows: Choice Healthcare Provider (good quality provider, barriers provider choice), Autonomy-Healthcare (autonomy empowered, autonomy impacted), Delivery Place (wanted birth, got birth), Support Companion(s) (no support companion for prenatal appointments, restrictions L&D companion(s)), and, Autonomy-COVID-19 Vaccination (vaccinated while pregnant/breastfeeding). Conclusions: birth generally positive; however, existing constraints provincial/territorial systems experiences. Limited choice type access companion(s) affected satisfaction.

Language: Английский

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A cluster analysis of reasons behind fear of birth among women in Sweden

Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 45(1)

Published: Feb. 20, 2024

Background Fear of birth is common and complex, caused by a variety reasons. The aim was to investigate the prevalence pre-established reasons in relation fear, identify profiles women based on their reported behind fear birth.

Language: Английский

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Postpartum Hospital Discharge

The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 10, 2024

Background: Postpartum hospital care and individualized discharge preparedness should be part of person-focused health services. Yet, there are limited descriptions birthing parents' experiences to identify clinical practice strengths opportunities improve systems care. Objective: To explore perspectives on supportive healthcare practices areas for improvement around postpartum discharge. Methods: In this mixed-methods study, participants completed an online questionnaire a semistructured, telephone interview at 2 3 weeks postpartum. Researchers summarized responses quantitative questions conducted thematic content analysis data. Results: Forty parents participated (90% non-White). According responses, most were prepared discharged (82.5%). Responses the generated 6 broad factors related preparedness: inpatient support, physical emotional health, patient priorities agency, clear relevant information, holistic care, scheduling continuity further identified themes specific described improvement. Conclusion: Birthing articulated multiple contributors their preparation These offer insights strengthening perinatal inform measures quality

Language: Английский

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Maternal care utilization and provision during the COVID-19 pandemic: Voices from minoritized pregnant and postpartum women and maternal care providers in Deep South

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(4), P. e0300424 - e0300424

Published: April 29, 2024

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected maternal care services especially for minoritized individuals, creating challenges both service users (i.e., African American and Hispanic pregnant/postpartum women) providers (MCPs). Guided by a socioecological framework, this study aims to investigate the experiences of pregnant postpartum women, as well MCPs, in accessing providing during Deep South. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 20 9 MCPs between January August 2022. Participants were recruited from Obstetrics Gynecology clinics, pediatric community health organizations South Carolina, all births took place 2021. Interview transcripts analyzed thematically. Results Maternal utilization provision influenced various factors at different levels. At intrapersonal level, women’s personal beliefs, fears, concerns, stress related had negative impacts on their experiences. Some women resorted substance use coping strategy or home remedy pregnancy-induced symptoms. interpersonal family social networks played crucial role care, discontinuation group-based prenatal consequences. reported desire support groups alleviate pressures pregnancy provide platform shared Language barriers identified an obstacle participants. Community-level impacts, such availability access doulas workers, provided essential information support, but limitations doula implicit bias also identified. institutional mandatory pre-admission testing, visitation restrictions, reduced patient-MCP interactions common concerns. Short staffing inadequate due impact workforce reported, along anxiety among about protective equipment availability. emphasized quality was maintained, changes primarily attributed safety protocols rather than decline quality. Conclusion disrupted services. To overcome these issues, facilities should integrate resources, adopt telehealth, develop culturally tailored education programs women. Supporting resources will enhance address disparities

Language: Английский

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