Self-Fetal Wellbeing Monitoring and Ante-Natal Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Descriptive Study among Pregnant Women in Indonesia

Abstract

Pregnant women are expected to have a high level of awareness when it comes to checking their fetal health and ensuring their welfare. This study explored the experiences of pregnant women in Indonesia who were monitoring their fetal wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitativedescriptive study design with a constructivist paradigm was used. Twenty-two pregnant women were recruited and participated in a semi-structured interview. Analysis of the transcribed interviews used a content, thematic and comparative process. Three themes emerged from the analysis: feelingsand responses, changes to the ante natal care service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fetal wellbeing monitoring, tools, and methods used. Advice on how pregnant women should conduct fetal wellbeing monitoring during COVID-19 is urgently needed. The results of this study indicate there is a need for interventions to help pregnant women carry out self-fetal wellbeing monitoring in times where they have fewer contacts with health professionals such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.