Pregnancy- and Birth-Related Experiences among Postpartum Women during the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Multinational European Study

The objective of this study was to describe pregnancy- and birth-related experiences postpartum women during the third wave COVID-19 pandemic their association with mental health outcomes. An online questionnaire distributed in five European countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, UK) between June August 2021. Participants were recruited though social media platforms including motherhood-related websites, pregnancy fora, apps. Postpartum asked eleven specific questions about changes presence support delivery. Edinburgh Depression Scale used assess depressive anxiety symptoms. Covariates included sociodemographics, reproductive characteristics, status. Associations estimated logistic regression. 1730 women. Frequent exclusion partner from care appointments (83.2%), changed prenatal settings (64.4%), cancellation hospital information visits (42.7%). Few women, however, without apart medical staff delivery (1.4%). number associated each woman’s status, as well type change. Experiencing related or reduction examination a doubling odds symptoms major depression postpartum. These findings highlight importance ensuring adequate maternity for women’s postpartum, pandemic.