Impact of COVID-19 on Birth Experiences
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Shoff
Date
4-12-2022
College Affiliation
College of Science, Technology, and Health
Department
Public Health
Submission Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in stressors for women who were pregnant, particularly for those pregnant early in the pandemic when the effects of the virus on pregnancy were unknown. Our research team is exploring the interplay of biological, psychological and social effects, referred to as biopsychosocial effects, on women’s pregnancy, delivery and postpartum experiences. We conducted qualitative interviews ranging from 30-90 minutes with 16 women who delivered at Mercy hospital during March 2020-April 2021. OBGYNS and Midwives women had to meet specific criteria to participate in this study. Recruitment methods including WIC offices, Mercy Pediatric clinics, and Facebook parent groups. This research analyzed a subset of interviews using focused coding techniques to compare the experiences of Midwife and OBGYN patients. Dedoose software was used to analyze the data. The findings provide policy recommendations for hospitals to improve birthing outcomes and postpartum experiences within healthcare.
Recommended Citation
Vardeman, Carmen, "Impact of COVID-19 on Birth Experiences" (2022). 2022 Student Academic Showcase. 8.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src/Oral_Presentations/Session2/8
Publication Date
2022
Date
05/24/2022
Impact of COVID-19 on Birth Experiences
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in stressors for women who were pregnant, particularly for those pregnant early in the pandemic when the effects of the virus on pregnancy were unknown. Our research team is exploring the interplay of biological, psychological and social effects, referred to as biopsychosocial effects, on women’s pregnancy, delivery and postpartum experiences. We conducted qualitative interviews ranging from 30-90 minutes with 16 women who delivered at Mercy hospital during March 2020-April 2021. OBGYNS and Midwives women had to meet specific criteria to participate in this study. Recruitment methods including WIC offices, Mercy Pediatric clinics, and Facebook parent groups. This research analyzed a subset of interviews using focused coding techniques to compare the experiences of Midwife and OBGYN patients. Dedoose software was used to analyze the data. The findings provide policy recommendations for hospitals to improve birthing outcomes and postpartum experiences within healthcare.