Psychosocial Aspects of Maternal Reproductive Health in the Era of COVID-19

Abstract

Whereas pregnancy and the postpartum states may be generally associated with increased risk for adverse mental health, the COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for supernumerary concerns regarding stressors, anxiety, and depression. A cumulative international experience is becoming apparent. Given the variability of both qualitative and quantitative analyses for maternal psychosocial health during the pandemic, a narrative review was conducted to gauge the international experience and to draw inferences in regard to future initiatives and their implementation. Risk factors for increased maternal psychosocial dysfunction during the pandemic have been variably defined for diverse populations worldwide. Common among the latter were inability to access timely and trustworthy information and professional care, socioeconomic compromise, and lesser prepandemic educational status. The quality and quantity of personal contacts were mitigating factors. Confidence in preventative measures was key to reducing mental health adversity. Time-honored infection control strategies and SARS-CoV-2-specific vaccination contributed both to reduced infections in pregnancy and the postpartum and to a lessening of impact on psychosocial health. Pragmatic implementation and future planning of pandemic responses are key aspects of prevention for adverse psychosocial outcomes in overall maternal care.