The Experience of Women Infected by the COVID-19 During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: To gain deeper understanding of experiences of pregnant women infected with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic. Methods: This study, which was planned as a descriptive qualitative study, was performed out with 15 pregnant women infected with COVID-19. The data were collected between January 5th and March 15th, 2021 using a semi-structured interview form and in-depth interview method. Content analysis, one of the qualitative research method, was used to evaluate the data. The research was planned based on the Qualitative Research Reporting Consolidated Criteria checklist, which is a guide for qualitative research. Results: Four main themes were found in experiences of pregnant women infected with COVID-19: (1) “psychosocial health”; (2) “change in daily routines on quarantine days”, (3) “coping” and (4) “perinatal period changes”. Pregnant women experienced both psychological and physical difficulties. They used the expression “closed box” to describe the anxiety and anxious state experienced due to the uncertainty of the perinatal outcomes brought about by COVID-19 during pregnancy. Conclusion: Understanding the experiences of pregnant women infected with COVID-19 is the first step in determining treatment and care management for nurses and healthcare professionals. During the pandemic period, pregnant women need to reach prenatal care services on time, to support them physically and psychosocially, to provide information with e-health services, and to provide remote follow-up support to cope with the process.