• Niamh E Keating, Brendan Dempsey, Siobhan Corcoran, Fionnuala M McAuliffe, Joan Lalor, and Mary F Higgins.
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Maternity Hospital, 2, Dublin, Ireland.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2022 Oct 1; 191 (5): 2177-2184.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed how maternity care services are provided worldwide. To contain the virus, many providers reduced the number of face-to-face visits for women. In addition, partner attendance was prohibited in many circumstances to protect staff, and other service users, from potential infection.AimsTo explore women's experience of pregnancy and birth in the Republic of Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA qualitative study with 14 women was conducted using a grounded theory approach. Data were collected between April and July 2020, and in-depth interviews were conducted either in pregnancy or in the first 12 weeks after the birth.ResultsSix categories emerged: loss of normality, navigating "new" maternity care systems, partners as bystanders, balancing information, uncertainty, and unexpected benefits of pregnancy during the pandemic. While benefits were reported (working from home and additional time spent with partners during the "fourth trimester"), in general, the themes were of increased anxiety and uncertainty.ConclusionThe pandemic caused additional anxiety for pregnant women. This was exacerbated by uncertainty about the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and unclear messaging about restrictions. More interactive and personalized communication is required to support women to cope with uncertainty during a pandemic. The birth partner plays an important role as an advocate for women and excluding them from pregnancy care caused additional anxiety for pregnant women. Containment strategies for a pandemic should be developed with this in mind, to view the family as a unit rather than the woman in isolation.© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.

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