Pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic, prenatal care, and digital technologies: women’s experiences

Carla Marins Silva; Amanda Vieira Bezerril; Elaine Lutz Martins; Ricardo José Oliveira Mouta; Marcele Zveiter

doi:10.15253/2175-6783.20232483454

Authors

Carla Marins Silva Universidade de São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6467-6267
Amanda Vieira Bezerril Hospital Amparo Maternal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1455-2327
Elaine Lutz Martins Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6596-6477
Ricardo José Oliveira Mouta Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6596-6477
Marcele Zveiter Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6027-2276

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15253/2175-6783.20232483454

Keywords:

COVID-19; Pregnant Women; Pandemics; Digital Technology; Prenatal Care.

Abstract

Objective: to know the experience of being pregnant and using technologies for gestational care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: qualitative study, conducted in a virtual environment. A total of 20 women who used digital technologies in pregnancy care during the pandemic were interviewed by videoconference. The data were submitted to content analysis supported by the Atlas.ti9 program. Results: two categories emerged: "Women's feelings on being pregnant during the pandemic of COVID-19", encompassing feelings, expressed by fear, insecurity, and loneliness, related to facing a new disease and social isolation; "Women's experiences with the use of digital technologies in pregnancy care", showing autonomy in the search for online information about pregnancy and groups of pregnant women, in applications or social networks. Furthermore, they remotely experienced bonding and maintenance of prenatal care by health professionals. Conclusion: the use of digital technologies in the pandemic was an imposed reality that positively contributed to clarifying doubts, care, and emotional support during pregnancy. Contributions to practice: the use of digital technologies showed benefits in the pandemic and can be extended to the daily routine of prenatal care, especially in situations that make it difficult for pregnant women to access services.

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