Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on new parents enrolled in the ‘BABY1000’ birth cohort study in Sydney, Australia: A mixed-methods study

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic was, and continues to be, uniquely experienced by women in the perinatal period and their families. Whilst long-term impacts of the pandemic are unknown, exposures in pregnancy and early life have impacts across the life-course and future generations. The objective of this manuscript was to explore how the pregnancy, postpartum and parenting experiences of a subset of participants from the ‘BABY1000’ cohort in Sydney, Australia, were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore associations between these experiences and state anxiety. Methods: Mixed methods were used. Participants were requested to complete an online survey including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short form (STAI-6), followed by an invitation to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs). Results: From September to November 2021, 88 parents completed the survey (mean age 33.5 years, 60% born in Australia, 58% primiparous). Twenty-two parents participated in FGDs. Six themes were identified regarding the experience of parents: (1) Maternal support, (2) Family relationships, (3) Stress and mental health, (4) Healthcare, (5) Family lifestyle and routine, and (6) Long-term impacts. The mean STAI-6 score was 40 (SD 12.3), representing high anxiety. High anxiety was significantly associated with concern regarding COVID-19 and feeling overburdened and lonely. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health orders significantly impacted participants’ pregnancy, postpartum and parenting experiences. Whilst these experiences included some unexpected positives, for many, these were outweighed by negative impacts on mental health, social support, health behaviours, and family relationships. Implications for Public Health: Ongoing longitudinal research is imperative to identify potential long-term effects of the pandemic across the life-course, better support families in the short and long-term, and plan for public health crises in the future. Key words: COVID-19, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, parenting, maternal mental health