# Lessons for the Next Global Health Crisis: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Women's Experiences of the Perinatal Period During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Australia

## TL;DR

This study explores how Australian women experienced pregnancy and early motherhood during the pandemic, highlighting the need for better health information and support.

## Contribution

The paper provides insights into the indirect effects of the pandemic on maternal health in a low-incidence setting, offering lessons for future global health crises.

## Key findings

- Women received inadequate health information during the pandemic.
- Social distancing affected women's support networks and family bonding.
- Disruptions in maternal health services left women feeling unsupported.

## Abstract

During the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, pregnant women and new mothers in Australia experienced extreme pandemic societal responses but low SARS‐CoV‐2 incidence. This offers one of the few opportunities internationally to learn from the pandemic's indirect effects on maternal health, informing future policy.

To explore women's qualitative experiences of pregnancy to the 12 postpartum months during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia.

A systematic search followed PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and PubMed were searched from 1 January 2020, to 13 August 2023, using four categories of terms: ‘COVID‐19’, ‘perinatal’, ‘qualitative’, ‘Australia’. Studies were scored using the CASP checklist and common themes identified from thematic synthesis. The ENTREQ reporting statement was followed.

From eight peer‐reviewed studies, four themes were identified: (1) ‘No one can give you any answers’: Provision of information was inadequate in supporting women to make health‐related decisions; (2) ‘Very isolated’ or ‘It brought us closer’: Social distancing restrictions caused major changes within women's informal support networks; (3) ‘Have they seen enough of me?’: Women felt unsupported during disruptions in maternal health services; (4) ‘All you want to do is keep safe’: Safeguarding family from SARS‐CoV‐2 added cognitive strain to women's daily decision‐making and routine. All studies were of a good or high quality.

Three lessons were highlighted. First, women need accurate, accessible health information to make informed decisions. Second, policies should support family bonding and social connections during government restrictions. Finally, health services must be strengthened to ensure continuous, high‐quality, accessible care during global crises.