Qualitative analyses of perinatal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

Hilton, Sarah and Murray, Craig and Davies, Jenny (2023) Qualitative analyses of perinatal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

The central focus of this thesis was to explore perinatal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first chapter, a systematic literature review explored the experiences of parents and non-professional carers whose baby was in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative research was synthesised using a thematic synthesis approach. 14 papers were included in the review, resulting in four themes: (1) The psychological impact of having a child in NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Relational challenges arising from having a child in NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic (3) Parents’ perceptions of information and communication during the COVID-19 pandemic; (4) Coping and support for parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The synthesised findings demonstrated a set of related issues of key concern for parents who had a baby in NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic, with implications for policy and practice. The second chapter presents a qualitative empirical study, exploring women’s experiences of pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected via Mumsnet, an online forum where parents can share knowledge, advice, and support. Data were derived from three different timepoints during the pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data, resulting in three themes: (1) Health-related worry, anxiety, and fear; (2) Reduced safety and choice at work; (3) Family: connection versus threat. The findings outlined how being pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic brought additional challenges, potentially increasing the likelihood of mental health difficulties for those who were pregnant during this time. In the third chapter, the critical appraisal includes the author’s reflections on reflexivity, methods, findings, the research process, implications from the findings and potential future research.