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Experiences of fetal care, social support, and emotional functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic in women carrying a fetus with CHD

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2023

Priya Nigam ,
Colette Gramszlo Open the ORCID record for Colette Gramszlo [Opens in a new window] ,
Shubhika Srivastava  and
Erica Sood Open the ORCID record for Erica Sood [Opens in a new window]
Priya Nigam
Affiliation:
Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE, USA
Colette Gramszlo
Affiliation:
Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE, USA
Shubhika Srivastava
Affiliation:
Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE, USA Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Erica Sood*
Affiliation:
Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE, USA Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
*
Corresponding author: Erica Sood; Email: Erica.Sood@Nemours.org
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Abstract

Objective:

To explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected fetal care, social support, and emotional functioning for women carrying a fetus with CHD.

Method:

This was a single-centre qualitative study of 31 women who received a prenatal diagnosis of CHD during the pandemic. Patients completed semi-structured interviews about their experiences with fetal care, social support, and perceptions of risk to themselves and their fetus. Consistent themes regarding the impact of the pandemic were identified using an inductive thematic approach. Demographic data were collected via self-report and chart review.

Results:

Women generally reported consistent access to fetal care throughout the pandemic, with frequent use of telemedicine in addition to in-person care, but negative impacts resulting from restrictions on family support at appointments. Limited access to social support overall and a loss of pregnancy traditions were described. Many women reported feeling isolated and experiencing worries and fears about COVID-19 but also noted feeling supported by their healthcare team. Partner/family support during appointments and connection to peer-to-peer support were identified as recommendations to mitigate negative impacts.

Conclusion:

Women carrying a fetus with CHD during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced unique stressors that may affect mental health. However, many also experienced unexpected supports that may mitigate effects of pandemic-related stressors. Results can inform efforts to promote positive family outcomes during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

Psychosocialqualitativemental health
Type
Original Article
Information
Cardiology in the Young , First View , pp. 1 - 7
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press

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