Antenatal care experiences of uninfected pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative systematic review

BACKGROUND: There is a limited understanding of pregnant women's antenatal care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. PURPOSE: To review and synthesize qualitative studies on uninfected pregnant women's antenatal care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Five databases were searched for qualitative studies published between January 2020 and January 2023. This study used a thematic synthesis of qualitative evidence and was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Furthermore, this review was registered with PROSPERO and a quality appraisal was assessed. RESULTS: Nine published qualitative studies were included in this review. The studies were conducted in eight countries and included 3,709 participants. Five themes were identified: (a) disruptions of normal antenatal care services, (b) feelings of uncertainty, (c) desire for sufficient spousal support, (d) coping strategies, and (e) trust in health care providers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The themes can be utilized to reform current interventions for pregnant women by nurse-midwife managers and by health care policymakers to improve current practice and direct new research to prepare for future pandemics.