Table 3.

Summary of themes and subthemes

Stage of Pregnancy	Theme	Subtheme
Pregnancy	1. Some pregnancy discomfort alleviated by social distancing measures	1.1 Avoidance of unwelcome attention from others 1.2 Better management of health and wellbeing through staying at home
Pregnancy and Parenthood	2. Importance of relationships that support coping and adjustment	2.1 More time to build a connection as a family 2.2 Benefits of the support bubble system 2.3 Importance of parent groups for support
	3. Missed pregnancy and parenthood experiences	3.1 Grief for a missed pregnancy experience 3.2 Sadness that pregnancy and parenthood could not be shared with others
Birth	4. Mental health consequences of birth partner and visitor restrictions	4.1 Upset about partners being excluded from healthcare interactions 4.2 Stress of decision making and help seeking without partners present
Across the care pathway (pregnancy, birth and postnatal)	5. Maternity services under pressure	5.1 Emotional impact of delays and staff shortages 5.2 Lack of clarity around social distancing rules within healthcare settings
	6. Lack of connection with staff	6.1 Communication difficulties 6.2 Prevention of touch due to COVID-related restrictions 6.3 Disruptions to continuity of care