The impact of COVID-19 on women’s mental health and coping during pregnancy and postpartum

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in elevated rates of depression and anxiety among people during pregnancy, at rates higher than those observed in pregnant populations pre-pandemic. In this mixed methods study, 20 postpartum women were interviewed and administered depression and anxiety screeners to assess the mental health impacts of giving birth during the pandemic. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach, with subgroups comparisons to draw out differences in emotional, social, and psychological impacts, as well as coping mechanisms used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Most women held advanced degrees (85%), were married (95%), first-time parents (60%) and experienced a high-risk pregnancy (60%). Less than half (40%) of the women identified as a racial or ethnic minority. Women in this sample reported low rates of mild anxiety (30%) and depressive symptoms (15%). This study identified three themes related to mental health and coping during pregnancy and postpartum: isolation and loneliness as a result of COVID-19 disruptions, fear and anxiety resulting from simultaneous information overload and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and coping mechanisms to confront stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Community-based interventions to promote maternal mental health are needed to complement clinical support and resources.