In this study, we aim to record and analyze experiences and concerns of pregnant women and new mothers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020. In an international collaboration, we assess whether and in which ways women are affected by the pandemic in different areas of life, with a focus on possible changes in pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience, both on an organizational and a psychological level.
We assess German pregnant women and new mothers up to six months after birth via an online survey to gain an impression of the influence of the pandemic on this segment of the population and assess potential vulnerability and resilience factors.
The current COVID-19 outbreak is a pandemic – meaning pregnant women are affected worldwide, in all nations and all demographic backgrounds. By using a standardized survey, shared by many groups worldwide, we will contribute to a transnational dataset on the impact of the pandemic on perinatal experiences. This knowledge can be integrated into future social and medical care practice during crises, to improve women’s perinatal experiences and reduce possible adverse consequences for the offspring.
Study team: Franziska Schleger Julia Hartkopf Ilena Bauer Julia Moser
More information on the international project: CovGen