Assessment of Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Pregnant Women

Background: To evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant women and to assess the impact on the mode of delivery. Methods: A cross - sectional survey study of all pregnant women regardless of gestational age and COVID status from December 2020 to May 2021 to assess the psychological impact and anxiety using the two scoring system - Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for anxiety. Results: Psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak was comparatively more severe among COVID positive pregnant women (mean k10 of 19.67 with SD 1.86 and mean VAS score of 7 with SD 0.63) when compared to COVID negative and unknown status pregnant women, which was statistical significant (k10 - p value 0.001, vas score ?p value - less than0.001). Anxiety levels with respect to vas scores were relatively higher in primi gravidas with mean vas scores of of 4.43 (SD 1.32) which was statistically significant (p value 0.006). Of the 42 women enrolled in the third trimester, 31 delivered during the study period.17 women underwent caesarean delivery - emergency LSCS done in view of foetal distress were 7, planned caesarean deliveries on maternal request were 4 (3 were elective LSCS for previous LSCS not willing for TOLAC), emergency caesarean deliveries performed for other obstetric indications were 6. Conclusions: Psychological impact and anxiety of the COVID-19 was relatively more among COVID positive pregnant women and there was no significant influence of psychological impact on the mode of delivery.