Effect of Covid‑19 on antenatal care: Experiences of medical professionals in the Netherlands

Abstract

COVID-19 has greatly affected the delivery of all health care services globally. Antenatal care is one area of care that has been impacted, despite the fact that attending antenatal check-ups is essential for pregnant women and cannot be postponed. Little is known about how exactly ANC provision has changed in the Netherlands, or how the changes have impacted midwives and gynaecologists providing those services. This study used a qualitative research design to investigate changes in individual and national practice following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved a document analysis of protocols and guidelines for ANC provision to evaluate how those changed following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and semi-structured interviews with ANC care providers (i.e., gynaecologists and midwives).

Description

Keywords

Covid-19, Public health, Antenatal care, Gynaecologists, Midwifery, Netherlands

Citation

Gamberini, C. et al. (2023). Effect of Covid‑19 on antenatal care: Experiences of medical professionals in the Netherlands. Reproductive health, 20(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-023-01587-y