| dc.description.abstract | Pregnant women during acute crises, like COVID-19, have unique labor and birth experiences. During 2020, research published about COVID-19 and its implications for labor and birth focused on healthcare policies implemented early in the pandemic and vertical transmission to the fetus. This qualitative study analyzed a subset of participants from a larger study, focusing on the labor and birth experiences of women during COVID-19 using rapid analysis. Eligibility criteria for women participating included the following: being 18 years of age or older, speaking and reading English, giving birth to a single baby on or after March 13, 2020, and having no prior fetal loss greater than 20 weeks. The researchers split eligible women into five groups based on their date of delivery and randomly selected three women, one from the first, third, and fifth group. Led by the principal investigator of the larger study, the interviews took place over Zoom, using a scripted interview guide. The student investigator extracted the information specifically regarding labor and birth and identified three main themes of the study: hospital policies and communication, early versus late COVID-19 experiences, and isolation and depersonalization. Based on the information identified regarding women's experiences of labor and birth during COVID-19, the student investigator proposes establishing a database for up-to-date information and policies from providers for expectant mothers. The database would streamline communication, decrease anxiety related to the unknown, and increase mental health care for mothers who deliver during times of crisis. | |
