The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnancy Planning Behaviors

Background: Our understanding of how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted decision-making for women planning to conceive is unclear. We aimed investigate COVID-19 influenced pregnancy behaviors. Methods: An online questionnaire closed- and open-ended questions was utilized capture behaviors reported behavioral changes during in between January July 2020. Closed-ended were analyzed quantitatively, thematic framework analysis responses. Results: A total 504 questionnaires included analysis. The majority respondents lived United Kingdom. Ninety-two percent still a but over half (n = 267) that had affected their plans, with 72% these 189) deliberately postponing pregnancy. Concerns predominantly antenatal care, also fear adverse effects virus on mother baby. From 37), lack services remove contraceptive devices provide fertility treatment cited. In contrast, 27% 71) bringing plans forward; common themes recalibration priorities cancelled or changed plans. Conclusions: pregnancy-planning many reporting postponement These alterations behavior could impact health wellbeing while having important implications care worldwide. Continued provision family should be ensured mitigate effect future outbreaks pandemics.