Birth experience during COVID-19 confinement (CONFINE): protocol for a multicentre prospective study.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Mental Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Lack of companionship during childbirth is linked to negative birth experiences, increasing risks of postpartum depression and PTSD.
• The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns may exacerbate negative birth experiences and mental health issues.
• Understanding the impact of confinement on maternal psychological well-being during childbirth is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the maternal sense of control during childbirth among women who gave birth during COVID-19 confinement.
• To compare maternal sense of control between women who gave birth during confinement, during the epidemic (but not confined), and in a control period.
• To assess the impact of epidemic-related confinement on immediate postpartum maternal psychological experience.

Main Methods:

• A national multicentre prospective cohort study involving 927 women across four French maternity units over 16 months.
• Women were recruited into three groups: 'confinement', 'epidemic', and 'control' periods immediately postpartum.
• Maternal sense of control was assessed using the Labour Agentry Scale; postnatal depression and PTSD were evaluated at 2 months postpartum.

Main Results:

• Data collection is ongoing; results are pending.
• The study aims to provide quantitative data on maternal sense of control during childbirth under different COVID-19 related conditions.
• Anticipated analysis will compare psychological outcomes across the three defined groups.

Conclusions:

• The findings will elucidate the psychological impact of childbirth confinement and epidemic contexts on maternal control.
• Results will inform future maternity care policies and support strategies during public health crises.
• This research contributes to understanding maternal mental health resilience during unprecedented circumstances.