The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and stress levels in pregnant women: a national survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico

Impact of Facebook on Social Support and Emotional Wellbeing in Perinatal Women during Three Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women in unique, unprecedented ways. Given the impossibility of delivering face-to-face care, digital platforms emerged as a first-line solution to provide emotional support. This qualitative study sought to examine the role that a closed Facebook group (CFG) played in providing social support for Mexican perinatal women and to explore the concerns they shared during the COVID-19 pandemic. A thematic analysis of all the posts in the CFG yielded nine main categories: (1) COVID-19 infections in participants and their families; (2) fear of infection; (3) infection prevention; (4) health services; (5) vaccines; (6) concerns about non-COVID-19-related health care; (7) effects of social isolation; (8) probable mental health cases; and (9) work outside the home. Participants faced stressful situations and demands that caused intense fear and worry. In addition to household tasks and perinatal care, they were responsible for adopting COVID-19 preventive measures and caring for infected family members. The main coping mechanism was their religious faith. The CFG was found to be a useful forum for supporting perinatal women, where they could share concerns, resolve doubts, and obtain information in a warm, compassionate, and empathetic atmosphere. Health providers would be advised to seek new social media to improve the quality of their services.

The prevalence of mental ill-health in women during pregnancy and after childbirth during the Covid-19 pandemic: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review aims to explore the prevalence of the impact of the COVID-19, MERS, and SARS pandemics on the mental health of pregnant women.

METHODS

All COVID-19, SARS and MERS studies that evaluated the mental health of pregnant women with/without gynaecological conditions that were reported in English between December 2000 - July 2021 were included. The search criteria were developed based upon the research question using PubMed, Science Direct, Ovid PsycINFO and EMBASE databases. A wide search criterion was used to ensure the inclusion of all pregnant women with existing gynaecological conditions. The Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale was used to assess the risk of bias for all included studies. Random effects model with restricted maximum-likelihood estimation method was applied for the meta-analysis and I-square statistic was used to evaluate heterogeneity across studies. The pooled prevalence rates of symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, and sleep disorders with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed.

RESULTS

This systematic review identified 217 studies which included 638,889 pregnant women or women who had just given birth. There were no studies reporting the mental health impact due to MERS and SARS. Results showed that women who were pregnant or had just given birth displayed various symptoms of poor mental health including those relating to depression (24.9%), anxiety (32.8%), stress (29.44%), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (27.93%), and sleep disorders (24.38%) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DISCUSSION

It is important to note that studies included in this review used a range of outcome measures which does not allow for direct comparisons between findings. Most studies reported self-reported measure of symptoms without clinical diagnoses so conclusions can be made for symptom prevalence rather than of mental illness. The importance of managing mental health during pregnancy and after-delivery improves the quality of life and wellbeing of mothers hence developing an evidence-based approached as part of pandemic preparedness would improve mental health during challenging times.

OTHER

The work presented in this manuscript was not funded by any specific grants. A study protocol was developed and published in PROSPERO (CRD42021235356) to explore several key objectives.

The relationship between perceived stress, uncertainty emotions and hopelessness regarding pandemics in pregnant women

The objective of this study was to determine the emotional reactions of pregnant women towards the pandemic and to increase awareness of healthcare professionals on this subject. In this descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study, an online questionnaire was applied to 375 pregnant women (n = 375). Data were collected with pregnant information form, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale and Beck Hopelessness Scale. The mean age of the pregnant women was 29.495 ± 4.301, and the mean gestational week was 27.469 ± 7.971. Pregnant women's levels of perceived stress and intolerance to uncertainty were high. There was a moderate positive correlation between stress and uncertainty levels of the women who stated that they experienced mild hopelessness. It is recommended to identify risky groups and provide the necessary psychological support by health professionals during the pandemic.

Perceived stress and COVID-19-related stressors: the moderating role of social support during pregnancy

Recent evidence on perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that birthing people experienced stress from pandemic-related stressors. While psychosocial stress is a significant predictor of adverse birth outcomes, social support can reduce stress levels during pregnancy. This study examined social support moderation of relationships between COVID-19-related stressors and perceived stress during pregnancy. The analysis included data from publicly insured pregnant participants who were enrolled in a randomized control trial of two enhanced prenatal care models in Fresno, California, and completed a third-trimester questionnaire between April and August 2020 (n = 77). Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the associations between perceived stress and COVID-19-related stressors and social support moderation. COVID-19-related stressors related to childcare and tension at home remained significantly associated with perceived stress adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and other COVID-19-related stressors. Social support moderated the relationship between perceived stress and loss of childcare (β = 2.4, 95 percent CI = 0.5-4.3, p = .014). Overall, social support moderated the association between COVID-19 stressors and perceived stress. While social support is commonly conceptualized as protective, the finding of greater stress around childcare among individuals reporting greater social support suggests complexity for leveraging these support networks during the pandemic.

Prospect of potential intrauterine programming impacts associated with COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a worldwide public health concern. In addition to immediate impacts on human health and well-being, COVID-19 can result in unfortunate and long-term health consequences for future generations. In particular, pregnant women and developing fetuses in low-income settings could be prone to a higher risk of undernutrition, often due to an inadequate supply of food and nutrition during a pandemic outbreak like COVID-19. Such situations can subsequently lead to an increased risk of undesirable health consequences, such as non-communicable diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, in individuals born to exposed mothers via fetal programming. Moreover, COVID-19 infection or related stress during pregnancy can induce long-term programming outcomes on neuroendocrinological systems in offspring after birth. However, the long-lasting consequences of the transplacental transmission of COVID-19 in offspring are currently unknown. Here we hypothesize that a COVID-19 pandemic triggers intrauterine programming outcomes in offspring due to multiple maternal factors (e.g., nutrition deficiency, stress, infection, inflammation) during pregnancy. Thus, it is crucial to establish an integrated lifetime health information system for individuals born in or around the COVID-19 pandemic to identify those at risk of adverse pre-and postnatal nutritional programming. This approach will assist in designing specific dietary or other nutritional interventions to minimize the potential undesirable outcomes in those nutritionally programmed individuals.

Impact of health literacy on anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic

To investigate the relationships between communicative and critical health literacy (CCHL) and anxiety and depressive symptoms (ADs) in pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 5466 pregnant women responded in Japan in September 2020. A Kessler 6 scale (K6) score ≥ 10, an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 13, and four CCHL groups were analyzed using a logistic regression model and trend test. The proportions of pregnant women with a K6 score ≥ 10 and EPDS score ≥ 13 were 13.5 and 15.4%, respectively. In comparisons with the low CCHL group, the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for anxiety symptoms was 0.770 (0.604–0.982) in the high CCHL group, while those for depressive symptoms were 0.777 (0.639–0.946), 0.665 (0.537–0.824), and 0.666 (0.529–0.838) in the lower, higher, and high CCHL groups (all p < 0.05), respectively, after adjustments for potential confounding factors, such as age, weeks of gestation, complications, history, number of children, marital status, education, employment, and income. Higher CCHL was associated with significantly lower adjusted odds ratios for anxiety (p for trend = 0.019) and depressive symptoms (p for trend < 0.001). These results suggest a relationship between CCHL and ADs in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID 19 pandemic challenges and their management: A review of medicines, vaccines, patents and clinical trials with emphasis on psychological health issues

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) paroxysm is a dominant health exigency that caused significant distress, affecting physical and mental health. Increased mortality, a stressed healthcare system, financial crisis, isolation, and new living and working styles enhanced societal commiseration leading to poor health outcomes. Though people try to maintain good physical health but unfortunately the mental affliction is still ignored. Poor psychological health has emerged as a burgeoning social issue and demands attention. Henceforth, the fundamental objective of this review article is to collate information about COVID-linked physical and psychological agony in diverse population groups with related symptoms and accessible diagnosis techniques. Recent studies have unraveled the fragile mental states of people who have either contracted COVID 19 or had near and dear ones falling prey to it. The impact of the epidemic on the human mind both in short and long-term, with possible risk and preventive factors together with suggested solutions for maintaining good health have also been discussed here. It also enlists the available medications, vaccines and investigational research in the form of patents and clinical trials. This article can be taken as an updated information sheet for COVID 19, accompanied by its management techniques with special emphasis on coping strategies for mental health. Further, it may also assist the policymakers to devise approaches that could enable the public to overcome the pandemic-driven adversity not only in the given situation but also futuristically.

Depression in pregnant and postpartum women during COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review and meta-analysis

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as a global pandemic in March 2020 and caused a big crisis, especially the health crisis. Pregnant and postpartum women experienced significant physical, social, and mental changes that put them at higher risk for several conditions during the pandemic. This study aimed to report the prevalence of depression in pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible studies were identified using several databases. Prevalence analysis was conducted using MedCalc ver. 19.5.1. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO on July 12, 2021 with registration number CRD42021266976. We included 54 studies with 95.326 participants. The overall prevalence of depression was 32.60% among pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate was higher among pregnant women (31.49%) compared to postpartum women (27.64%). The prevalence of depression among pregnant and postpartum women increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resilience, stress and anxiety in pregnancy before and throughout the pandemic: a structural equation modelling approach

The present study explored and compared the link between resilience and pregnancy-related stress, perceived stress, and anxiety, employing two structural equation models. One model focused on pregnant women before the outbreak of the pandemic, and the other on pregnancies throughout the pandemic. For this purpose, a total sample of 690 women during their pregnancy were collected: the Pre-Pandemic Group (P-PG) was composed of 341 pregnant women evaluated prior to the pandemic; and 349 pregnant women assessed at the time of the pandemic constituted the Pandemic Group (PG). The resilience, pregnancy-related stress, perceived stress, and anxiety symptomatology of the women were assessed. For both samples, resilience was found to lower levels of pregnancy-specific stress, as well as general perceived stress, and anxiety symptomatology. Furthermore, pregnancy-specific stress and perceived stress showed a covariance relationship and, that these, in turn, increased the anxiety. Moreover, the PG showed greater levels of pregnancy-specific stress, anxiety, somatisations, and obsessions-compulsions, while the P-PG presented higher perceived stress levels.

The global png health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature examining the prevalence of depression among hospital staff and the impact of various factors with a view to organize related programs for reducing the complications of this mental disorder.

METHOD

A total of 24 studies were extracted from a literature search conducted through electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2019 to February 2021.

FINDINGS

Following the extraction of data, the total number of hospital staff was reported to be 42,010. Based on the results, depression prevalence among them was 26% (95% Cl, 0.18-0.35). Furthermore correlation coefficients revealed a significant relationship between the rate of depression and variables including type of career, age, and gender (P-value < 0.05). The highest and lowest prevalence of depressive disorder among hospital staff was in Africa 82% (95% Cl, 0.35-0.97) and Asia 19% (95% Cl, 0.11-0.29).

CONCLUSION

Our findings affirmed that female workers who aged between 29 and 35 and worked as administrative and support staff in hospitals were among the population being at higher risk of developing mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological well-being and worries among pregnant women in the first trimester during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark compared with a historical group: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

A pandemic may negatively influence psychological well-being in the individual. We aimed to assess the potential influence of the first national lockdown in Denmark (March to June 2020) due to the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological well-being and the content and degree of worries among pregnant women in early pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this hospital-based cross-sectional study based on self-reported data we compared psychological well-being and worries among women who were pregnant during the first phase of the pandemic (COVID-19 group) (n = 685), with women who were pregnant the year before (Historical group) (n = 787). Psychological well-being was measured by the five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5), using a score ≤50 as indicator of reduced psychological well-being. Differences in WHO-5 mean scores and in the prevalence of women with score ≤50 were assessed using general linear and log-binomial regression analyses. The Cambridge Worry Scale was used to measure the content and degree of major worries. To detect differences between groups, Pearson's Chi-square test was used.

RESULTS

We found no differences in mean WHO-5 score between groups (mean difference) 0.1 (95% CI -1.5 to 1.6) or in the prevalence of women with WHO-5 score ≤50 (prevalence ratio 1.04, 95% CI 0.83-1.29) in adjusted analyses. A larger proportion of women in the COVID-19 group reported major worries about Relationship with husband/partner compared with the Historical group (3% [n = 19] vs 1% [n = 6], p = 0.04), and 9.2% in the COVID-19 group worried about the possible negative influence of the COVID-19 restrictions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that national restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic did not influence the psychological well-being or the content and degree of major worries among pregnant women. However, a larger proportion of women in the COVID-19 group reported major worries concerning Relationship with husband/partner compared with the Historical group and 9.2% in the COVID-19 group worried about the possible negative influence of the COVID-19 restrictions.

The impact of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic on stress resilience and mental health: A critical review across waves

The global public health crisis caused by COVID-19 has lasted longer than many of us would have hoped and expected. With its high uncertainty and limited control, the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly asked a lot from all of us. One important central question is: how resilient have we proved in face of the unprecedented and prolonged coronavirus pandemic? There is a vast and rapidly growing literature that has examined the impact of the pandemic on mental health both on the shorter (2020) and longer (2021) term. This not only concerns pandemic-related effects on resilience in the general population, but also how the pandemic has challenged stress resilience and mental health outcomes across more specific vulnerable population groups: patients with a psychiatric disorder, COVID-19 diagnosed patients, health care workers, children and adolescents, pregnant women, and elderly people. It is challenging to keep up to date with, and interpret, this rapidly increasing scientific literature. In this review, we provide a critical overview on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health and how human stress resilience has been shaped by the pandemic on the shorter and longer term. The vast literature is dominated by a wealth of data which are, however, not always of the highest quality and heavily depend on online and self-report surveys. Nevertheless, it appears that we have proven surprisingly resilient over time, with fast recovery from COVID-19 measures. Still, vulnerable groups such as adolescents and health care personnel that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic do exist. Large interindividual differences exist, and for future pandemics there is a clear need to comprehensively and integratively assess resilience from the start to provide personalized help and interventions tailored to the specific needs for vulnerable groups.

Prevalence of antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women during COVID-19 pandemic in North Shewa zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Background

Antenatal depression is a form of depression that occurs during pregnancy. This problem may worsen during the COVID-19 epidemic and may result in serious consequences for pregnant women, including depression and other multiple psychosocial problems. However, the prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant women and its associated factors has not been studied in the study area, even in Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care in public health institutions in the North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. The data were collected from May 1- June 30, 2021. A logistic regression model with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and P-value < 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval was used to determine significantly associated factors.

Results

The prevalence of antenatal depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic was 34.1% (95% CI: 29.6-38.9). Divorced marital status (AOR = 7.52, CI: 2.707-20.911), husband's educational status "cannot read and write" (AOR = 4.05, CI: 1.834-8.962) and "can read and write without formal education" (AOR = 2.39, CI: 1.107-5.154) are statistically significant variables associated with depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

In this study, the prevalence of antenatal depression in pregnant women during the novel coronavirus pandemic was high. To reduce the level of depression in pregnant women, strategies have to be designed for the early detection of divorced pregnant women with inadequate social support and address enough information for pregnant women and their husbands about depression and COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Associations of COVID-19 related experiences with maternal anxiety and depression: implications for mental health management of pregnant women in the post-pandemic era

Psychological concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic become a public health crisis. It is noteworthy that the associations between COVID-19 related experiences and typical mental symptoms among pregnant women remain unclear. A cross-sectional online survey among pregnant women was conducted in Shenzhen, China. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to explore the associations of COVID-19 related experiences with anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy. Totally, 751 pregnant women were enrolled. Lower prevalence of anxiety and depression was observed among older individuals: 17.2%, 12.3%, and 6.7% for anxiety symptom; 40.0%, 35.3%, and 24.6% for depression symptom, respectively in age <30 years, 30 to 34 years, and ≥35 years groups. COVID-19 related experiences that associated with the anxiety and depression symptoms among pregnant women included having confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases around, subjective moderate or high risk of being infected, subjective severe life impact, subjective moderate or severe psychological impact, and spending more than one hour in COVID-19 related news. In the post-pandemic era, the psychological strain imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic is urgently needed to be alleviated among pregnant women. The long-term impacts of COVID-19 related experiences on maternal and child health should be monitored longitudinally.

Maternal, placental and neonatal outcomes after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first trimester of pregnancy: A case report

The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first trimester on the pregnant woman and the fetus remain unclear. We describe the complete follow-up of a pregnant woman with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first trimester. The woman tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in nasopharyngeal swabs in her seventh week of gestation and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Although the woman had a BMI above 28 and a total gestational weight gain of 21 kg, no pregnancy complications or severe complications related to SARS-CoV-2 were reported. An ultrasound scan identified no fetal abnormalities at 22 weeks. The pregnancy ended at term (37 weeks), and the newborn's birth weight was 3100 g. Placental insufficiency was revealed by placental histology examination but this appeared not to be related to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. In-situ hybridisation and immunohistochemical tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, spike protein 1, and nucleocapsid proteins were negative. However, ACE-2 was positive in samples of the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membrane. The baby was followed up through to 10 days after birth and grew normally. Our results suggest that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first trimester of pregnancy might not have significant harmful effects on the mother and the developing fetus. This finding may be of interest to the general public, midwives and general practitioners. However, large population studies are needed to confirm our findings.

One Year Into the Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Perinatal Mental Health Outcomes During COVID-19

Obstetric guidelines have rapidly evolved to incorporate new data and research on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with data on perinatal mental health building over the last year. Our aim in the present manuscript is to provide a systematic review of mental health outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of neonatal and obstetric guidelines addressing symptoms and complications of COVID-19 during pregnancy, mother-to-neonate transmission, Cesarean-section delivery, neonatal prematurity, maternal/neonate mortalities, maternal-neonatal separation, and breastfeeding. We summarize data from 81 mental health studies of pregnant and postpartum women and underscore protective and risk factors identified for perinatal mental health outcomes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Data reviewed here suggest increased psychological symptoms, especially depressive and anxiety symptoms, in pregnant and postpartum women during COVID-19. Our systematic review integrates the most current obstetric and neonate guidelines, along with perinatal mental health outcomes associated with COVID-19, highlighting the best available data for the care of women and their neonates amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological stress among pregnant and puerperal women in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

AIM

To evaluate psychological stress among pregnant and puerperal women in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited pregnant women and puerperal women who delivered between January and September 2020 in Japan, using an online questionnaire. Participants were divided into low, middle, and high groups according to the degree of the epidemic in their region of residence. Related factors were analyzed using the chi-squared test. The relationship between COVID-19 epidemic regions and depression risks and anxiety using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Kessler 6 scale (K6) was evaluated using a univariate and multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Overall, 7775 cases, including 4798 pregnant and 2977 puerperal women, were analyzed. The prevalence of high EPDS and K6 scores was significantly increased in pregnant women in the high than those in the low epidemic regions (EPDS: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.453, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.205-1.753; K6: aOR 1.601, 95% CI 1.338-1.918). There was no difference in EPDS score, but the prevalence of high K6 scores was significantly increased in puerperal women in the high than those in the low epidemic regions (aOR 1.342, 95% CI 1.066-1.690). Further, restriction on going to their hometown for delivery increased the prevalence of high EPDS scores among pregnant (aOR 1.663, 95% CI 1.296-2.133) and puerperal women (aOR 1.604, 95% CI 1.006-2.557).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased support due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the psychological status of pregnant and puerperal women; hence, investing medical resources in their healthcare essential.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women attending a third level reference center in Mexico City

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 symptoms vary widely among pregnant women. We aimed to assess the most frequent symptoms amongst pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a tertiary hospital in Mexico City.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of pregnant women attending the National Institute of Perinatology in Mexico City was performed. All women who attended the hospital, despite their symptoms, were tested for SARS-CoV-2. A multivariate-age-adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the association between the main outcome and each characteristic of the clinical history.

RESULTS

A total of 1880 women were included in the data analysis. Among all women, 30.74% (n = 578) had a positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2 from which 2.7 (n = 50) were symptomatic. Symptoms associated with a positive PCR result were headache (p=.01), dyspnea (p=.043), and myalgia (p=.043).

CONCLUSIONS

At universal screening for SARS-CoV-2, one-third of the population had a positive result, while those symptoms associated with a positive PCR were headache, dyspnea, and myalgia.

A Model of Stress Change under the First COVID-19 Pandemic among the General Public in Japanese Major Cities and Rural Areas

Research on stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic has been dominated by the cases of healthcare workers, students, patients, and their stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the relationship between the amount of stress change under the COVID-19 pandemic and demographic factors (age, sex, occupation, etc.) in residents of a large city and a rural area of Japan. A total of 1331 valid responses were received in June 2020 from residents of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagano registered with a private research firm. We were able to identify 15 statistically significant variables out of 36 explanatory variables, which explained the significant increase in stress compared to the pre-pandemic period. Multiple-factor analysis showed that the relationship with people is a more significant explanatory variable for the level of increase in stress than the difference in environment between big cities (Tokyo, Osaka) and rural areas (Nagano), the type of housing, and the decrease in income compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Longitudinal study on prenatal depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Several studies have reported the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic context on mental health. Given that pregnant women constitute a vulnerable group, they may be at greater risk for developing psychopathological symptoms due to the confinement. The current study aimed to longitudinally analyze the presence and evolution of indicators of depression and anxiety in pregnant and non-pregnant women, and to identify the differential effects of social isolation or distancing measures on these groups. Participants were 105 pregnant and 105 non-pregnant Argentine adult women. They completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and closed-ended questions on sociodemographic factors, at four different times. Results showed a progressive increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms in the first 50 days of confinement in both groups, and a slight decrease after approximately 150 days. Pregnant women presented a more pronounced initial increase in symptoms, and a weaker decrease at the last wave, compared to the non-pregnant. Results suggest that the pandemic context produces a moderate negative early response and that the initial flexibilizations of sanitary measures (50 days) did not slow down the progression of symptoms (even less in pregnant women). In conclusion, being pregnant could be an extra risk factor for the development of psychopathological symptoms during this pandemic. The particular vulnerability of pregnant women and the associated potential negative effects both on them and on their offspring underline the importance of perinatal health policies aimed at prevention and treatment of possible future consequences.