Efforts and Expectations of Pregnant Women Against the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: COVID-19 is a global threat that directly impacts people's mental health and physical well-being. This study explores the efforts and expectations of pregnant women against the impact of the COVID-19 pandemicMethods: This study was a qualitative study that used phenomenological methods and used a naturalistic approach. The informants of this study were pregnant women (n=20). Data analysis used content analysis with software (Nvivo Release 1.5). Results: The results of the study are four themes namely increasing worries for pregnant women due to lack of knowledge about the impact of COVID-19; the efforts to reduce anxiety through spiritual, positive thoughts, and the role of the family; the efforts to prevent the pandemic exposure through reducing direct social relations, changing social life online, meeting nutritional, and strict health protocols; and the expectancy of pregnant women to the impact of the pandemic is the change in the health care system in health facilities. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic impacts the lives of pregnant women in a complex manner, mainly on anxiety. The efforts and expectations of pregnant women can be a reference in developing health service innovations in health facilities, especially pregnant women, to create a sense of physical and psychological security and comfort for pregnant women from the threat of COVID-19.