Psychosocial experiences of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a UK-wide study of prevalence rates and risk factors for clinically relevant depression and anxiety

The impact of COVID-19-related anxiety on obstetric complications and mental health in quarantined pregnant women

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened anxiety among pregnant women, raising concerns about its impact on maternal and fetal health. Although prenatal anxiety is linked to adverse outcomes, the specific relationship between COVID-19-related fear and obstetric complications in quarantined populations remains understudied. This study investigated the association between COVID-19-related fear, obstetric complications, and mental health disorders among quarantined pregnant women in Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study (June-December 2020) 52 quarantined pregnant women were recruited via convenience sampling from a Tehran health center. Data were collected through structured telephone interviews using a validated researcher-made questionnaire. The tool assessed demographics, obstetric history, mental health symptoms (e.g., night-time anxiety, sleep disturbances), and COVID-19-related fear via a 0-10 Auditory Analog Scale (AAS). Obstetric complications (e.g., severe vaginal bleeding, chorioamnionitis) were self-reported and clinically verified. Spearman's rank correlation (non-parametric variables) and Pearson's correlation (continuous variables) were used, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Participants (mean age: 29.9 ± 6.47 years; gestational age: 30 ± 11.57 weeks) exhibited high COVID-19 fear (54.5% severe fear). Fear correlated significantly with obstetric complications (r = 0.22, p = 0.007), particularly delayed care-related outcomes such as severe vaginal bleeding (18.8%), chorioamnionitis (8.9%), and reluctance to seek hospitalization (12.5%). Fear also linked to mental health challenges (r = 0.23, p = 0.005), including night-time anxiety (28.9%) and sleep disturbances (32.2%). Weak correlations emerged with occupation (r = 0.23, p = 0.01) and education (r = 0.24, p = 0.02), though effect sizes were modest (R² ≈ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19-related fear in quarantined pregnant women was associated with obstetric complications (e.g., care avoidance) and mental health disorders (e.g., sleep disturbances). Despite modest correlations, findings underscore the need for antenatal care integrating mental health screening, telehealth support, and culturally sensitive interventions to mitigate pandemic-driven risks to maternal-fetal health.

Global temporal trends in depression incidence among women of childbearing age: A 30-year analysis and projections to 2030

This study examines global trends in depression incidence among women of childbearing age (WCBA) from 1992 to 2021 and projects future trends through 2030. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 and applying the age-period-cohort (APC) model, we analyzed temporal patterns across age groups, periods, and birth cohorts. The global incidence of depression in WCBA increased from 77.57 million cases in 1992 to 127.02 million cases in 2021, with the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) rising from 5675.52 to 6490.04 per 100,000 people. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was -0.21 (95 % CI: 0.47 to 0.06), indicating a slight, non-significant decline. Regional disparities were evident: high SDI regions saw rising depression incidence, while other regions experienced declines. Notably, in high SDI regions, depression incidence decreased in the 30-34 age group but increased in other age groups. In contrast, in other SDI regions, depression incidence decreased across all age groups. APC analysis across the four SDI regions (excluding the high SDI region) revealed distinct age, period, and cohort effects on depression incidence in WCBA. The age effect was consistent globally and across SDI regions, with depression incidence increasing with age. However, in high SDI regions, the age effect showed a contrasting trend, with notable adverse period and cohort effects. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and further research to mitigate the growing mental health burden, particularly in women of reproductive age, in alignment with the WHO's 2030 objectives.