Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant Mothers

Authors

  • Gayetri Darshandhari Kapali
  • Manisa Koirala Maharajgunj Nursing Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Neeta Katuwal Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Sangita Thapa Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Anuradha Adhikari Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Rashmi Gachhadar Maharajgunj Nursing Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Sharmila Neupane State Public Service Commission, Bagmati Province
  • Ganga Panta Maharajgunj Nursing Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal

Keywords:

COVID-19, impact, pandemic

Abstract

Introduction
The COVID pandemic has detrimental impact on physical and psychological wellbeing of expectant mothers. Fear and worry during pregnancy amplifies risks and can have negative physical and psychological consequences for mother and newborn outcomes. So this study intended to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant mothers during pregnancy.

Methods
Descriptive cross-sectional study design was applied among 123 pregnant mothers who visited antenatal OPD of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected through non-probability purposive sampling technique by using interview schedule. Descriptive statistic and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data.

Results
Pregnant mothers faced difficulties to maintain physical wellbeing, 84 (68.3%) did not perform any physical exercise, 96 (78%) were physically inactive, 107(87%) stated absence of sound sleep during pregnancy. Majority i.e. 111 (90.2%) of pregnant mothers perceived fear on outcome of newborn. Likewise, 11(8.9%) had severe impact on their psychological wellbeing during COVID-19 pandemic. Place of residence, number of children and trimester of pregnancy were found to be the strong predictors of psychological impact among pregnant women.

Conclusion
The impact was seen on exercise, sleep, physical wellbeing whereas pregnant mothers seemed more attentive on healthy diet. They expressed more fear on obstetric or newborn outcome and uncertainty on mode of delivery with this panic situation.

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Published

2022-12-31

How to Cite

Darshandhari Kapali, G., Koirala, M., Katuwal, N., Thapa, S., Adhikari, A., Gachhadar, R., Neupane, S., & Panta, G. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnant Mothers. Journal of Institute of Medicine Nepal, 44(3), 17–22. Retrieved from https://jiomnepal.com.np/index.php/jiomnepal/article/view/230