# Uncertainties and contradictions experienced by women with COVID-19 during childbirth/birth and the postpartum period

## TL;DR

This study explores the emotional and physical challenges faced by women with COVID-19 during childbirth and the postpartum period, highlighting the impact on maternal and neonatal care.

## Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into the unique experiences of women with COVID-19 during childbirth and postpartum, emphasizing the need for improved care practices.

## Key findings

- Women experienced uncertainties and contradictions in maternal and neonatal outcomes during childbirth and postpartum.
- Emotional suffering and mental health issues were linked to newborn separation, isolation, and lack of support.
- Professional practices in obstetric care were observed to regress during the pandemic.

## Abstract

to understand experiences and meanings attributed to childbirth/birth and postpartum by women affected by COVID-19.

qualitative study in light of complexity, conducted through interviews with 15 women in university hospital reference for infected and high-risk pregnant women in tenth Health Region of Paraná, Brazil, between December 2021 and April 2022. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

childbirth/birth and postpartum experiences different from what was desired and planned, permeated by uncertainties, unpredictability and contradictions, especially regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes, were identified. Experiences full of meanings and emotions caused suffering and compromised mental health, particularly related to prematurity, newborn separation, absence of companion and isolation in COVID-19 unit. Mother-baby bond, self-care and breastfeeding damage, and antagonistic professional actions were observed, with a setback in obstetric practices.

there is a need to respect the rights guaranteed by law and designate professionals trained for maternal and child care.

compreender as experiências e os significados atribuídos ao parto/nascimento e pós-parto por mulheres acometidas por COVID-19.

estudo qualitativo à luz da complexidade, conduzido por entrevistas com 15 mulheres em hospital universitário referência para gestantes infectadas e de alto risco da décima Regional de Saúde do Paraná, Brasil, entre dezembro/2021 e abril/2022. Dados foram analisados pela análise temática.

identificaram-se experiências de parto/nascimento e pós-parto diferentes do desejado e planejado, permeadas de incertezas, imprevisibilidades e contradições, sobretudo quanto aos desfechos maternos e neonatais. Experiências repletas de significados e emoções causaram sofrimento e comprometimento da saúde mental, particularmente relacionadas à prematuridade, afastamento do recém-nascido, ausência do acompanhante e isolamento em unidade COVID-19. Constataram-se prejuízos no vínculo mãe-bebê, autocuidado e amamentação, e atuações profissionais antagônicas, com retrocesso às práticas obstétricas.

aponta-se a necessidade de respeito aos direitos assegurados por lei e designação de profissionais capacitados para a assistência materno-infantil.