Depressive symptoms and experiences of birthing mothers during COVID-19 pandemic

It is unclear how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected postnatal women in Norway. We therefore wanted to investigate their depressive symptoms and birthing experiences during the pandemic.

In April 2021, a total of 3 642 postnatal women participated in an online survey. Depressive symptoms were measured using a short matrix version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS-4), and standardised questions about the ante-, peri- and post-natal periods were used to record birthing experiences. The questions were the same as those used ten years ago in the Ahus Birth Cohort study, which is the reference population here. The women were also asked questions related to the pandemic and mental health care.

Twenty-nine per cent of the mothers indicated that the pandemic had had a 'large' or 'very large' impact on their mental health. Thirty-two per cent reported high scores for depressive symptoms (EPDS-4 scores ≥ 6), while the corresponding figure in the reference population was 10 %. The proportion of mothers who were dissatisfied with their pregnancy experience was almost the same in both cohorts, while the proportion that reported poor care in the maternity ward during the pandemic was higher than for the reference population (34 % vs. 13 %). Of those who had mental health problems during the pandemic, 54 % stated that they had not received appropriate help.

One in three postnatal women reported high scores for depressive symptoms during the pandemic. The study revealed significant dissatisfaction with the care provided in maternity wards and inadequate follow-up of the mothers' mental health.