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

Highlights

• There is little understanding of the challenges faced by uninfected pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• This review identified five common themes of pregnant women's antenatal care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Health care policymakers should support and fund more research on the health care of pregnant women (including physical and emotional support) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.