Behavioural adaptations and responses to obstetric care among pregnant women during an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated behavioural adaptations and responses to obstetric care among pregnant women during an early stage of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included pregnant women who received obstetric care from 27 May 2020 to 16 June 2020 in a university-affiliated hospital in Hong Kong. Responses were collected with respect to obstetric appointment scheduling, workplace changes, mask-wearing practices, travel and quarantine experiences, obstetric service adjustments, and visiting arrangements. Regression analysis was used to compare the effects of patient characteristics on their responses. Results: In total, 1000 surveys were distributed; 733 pregnant women provided complete survey responses. Among obstetric-related appointments in public hospitals, 16% were postponed or cancelled by pregnant women; such changes were most frequent among women beyond 24 weeks of gestation, women who had previous deliveries, and women who had a history of mental illness. The practice of working from home imposed psychological stress and negatively impacted the pregnancy experience in 4.5% of women. Childbirth companionship was regarded as an important service by 88.1% of women; only 4.2% agreed with its suspension. Obstetric service adjustments had the greatest impact on Chinese women and nulliparous women. Conclusions: The findings provide an overview of how pregnant women adapted during an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Women adjusted obstetric service attendance, began working from home, and wore masks. Women’s expectations did not match changes in childbirth companionship and peripartum services. Hospital administrators should consider psychological impacts on pregnant women when implementing service adjustments.