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Journal Article Epublish 22 citations

PubMed: 36890561 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01587-y

Effect of COVID-19 on antenatal care: experiences of medical professionals in the Netherlands.

Reprod Health 20(1):40

Authors: Carlotta Gamberini, Federica Angeli, Lucia Knight, Mariama Zaami, Salwan Al-Nasiry, Elena Ambrosino

Affiliations

  • Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
  • Research School GROW for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
  • School for Business and Society, University of York, York, YO105DD, UK.
  • Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa.
  • School of Public Health, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa.
  • Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, LG25, Accra, Ghana.
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
  • Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
  • Research School GROW for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has greatly affected the delivery of all health care services globally. Antenatal care is one area of care that has been impacted, despite the fact that attending antenatal check-ups is essential for pregnant women and cannot be postponed. Little is known about how exactly ANC provision has changed in the Netherlands, or how the changes have impacted midwives and gynaecologists providing those services.

METHODS

This study used a qualitative research design to investigate changes in individual and national practice following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved a document analysis of protocols and guidelines for ANC provision to evaluate how those changed following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and semi-structured interviews with ANC care providers (i.e., gynaecologists and midwives).

RESULTS

Guidance was issued by multiple organizations, during the pandemic, on how to approach the risk of infection in pregnant women, recommending several changes to ANC to protect both pregnant women and ANC providers. Both midwives and gynaecologists reported changes in their practice. With less face-to-face consultations happening, digital technologies became critical in the care of pregnant women. Shorter and fewer visits were reported, with midwifery practices adjusting their guidelines further than hospitals. Challenges, with high workloads and lack of personal protective equipment were discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense impact on the health care system. This impact has had both negative and positive effects on the provision of ANC in the Netherlands. It is important to learn from the current COVID-19 pandemic and adapt ANC, as well as health care systems as a whole, to be better prepared for future health crises and ensure continuous provision of good quality care.

MeSH

Pregnant Women, Prenatal Care, Covid-19, Pandemics, Reproductive Medicine

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