Perinatal Mental Health in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study with Postpartum Women in Two Argentine Provinces

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal mental health is related to the physiological, psychological and sociocultural processes involved in conception, pregnancy, childbirth, puerperium and early bonding, and includes the mother-baby dyad. The objective of this work was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health, specifically in relation to postpartum depression (PPD) and the various concerns expressed by women in this context. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a face-to-face survey with open and closed questions. It used a non-probabilistic sample in three hospitals (two from the province of Entre Ríos and one from the province of Buenos Aires). RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of the women showed indicators of PPD according to the Edinburgh Scale, that is, they stated that they felt unhappy and had difficulty sleeping, with fear, sadness, worry and negative thoughts, in the last week. There are significant relationships between PPD, the hospital, the number of people with whom postpartum women live, and health status. DISCUSSION: This research generated useful information to improve practices, interventions and policies guaranteeing rights in perinatal mental health.