Thoughts, experiences, and emotions of pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women are one of the most vulnerable groups affected negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic process. It was aimed to evaluate the thoughts, feelings, problems, individual experiences of pregnant women about pandemic.
METHODS: For the qualitative type of study, the participants were selected among pregnant women aged 18–45 who came to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Polyclinic of a state hospital in Istanbul. Interviews were recorded, if the participant gave consent. Written notes were taken when recording was not allowed. The data collection process was terminated with 12 participants with the content saturation.
RESULTS: The minimum age of the 12 participants was 23, and the maximum age was 40. Six different themes were created: Emotional Status of Being Aware of Coronavirus, Information Source About Coronavirus, Pregnancy and Pandemics, Precautions/COVID-19 Vaccination, Disease Process, and Social Relationships in Pandemic. Almost all of the participants mentioned that their physical and mental health were negatively affected by the pandemic. Most of the participants talked about the anxiety of getting the disease and its possible effects on themselves and their babies.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pandemic had negative effects on both physical and mental health for participants. Interventions are needed for pregnant women for improvement of their health.