| Category 1: Psychological effects |
| Subcategory 1.1: Fear of getting infection |
(26y, pregnant female, 36 weeks of gestation): “I was always worried about getting the infection from other patients in the hospital."
(31y, homemaker, postpartum day 15): "I was so scared… I could not resist washing hands several times a day."
(28y, banker, postpartum day 20): “I asked my house help to stop coming home due to the fear of coronavirus.”
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| Subcategory 1.2: Fear about new‐born baby getting infected |
(32y, teacher, postpartum day 8): "After discharge from the hospital, I keep on checking the temperature of my baby and myself multiple times a day."
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| Subcategory 1.3: Fear and Anxiety due to inadequate perinatal services |
(39y, housewife): "…because of the lockdown; I could not visit doctors for any physical check‐up. I resorted to only teleconsultations… I was extremely worried whether my pregnancy was going fine or not." (34y, pregnant woman, 37 weeks of gestation): “…because of COVID‐19, I was compelled to change my place of delivery.” (26y, pregnant female, 36 weeks of gestation): "I have Rh problem. I was advised frequent monitoring by ultrasound. However, due to lockdown, I had to face great difficulty in coming to the hospital for it.”
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| Category 2: Social effects |
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| Subcategory 2.1: Anxiety due to financial issues |
(25y, tutor, 35 weeks of gestation): "I used to provide home tuitions for school children. I had to stop teaching my students, and this affected my financial status badly.”
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| Subcategory 2.2: Anxiety due to changed lifestyle (diet, exercise, and nutrition) |
(30y, pregnant doctor): "Unlike my last pregnancy, I am deliberately avoiding non‐vegetarian food. I also avoid taking fruit juice from outside".
(26y, female): "Due to fear of infection, we stock up all groceries, milk and other dairy products for one week and avoid going to market daily. Thus, I am not able to take a good diet."
(36y, G2P1L0): “I used to go for morning walk and yoga sessions in our community park daily. Now I have to do do physical activity at home. I am not at all satisfied with my current level of physical activity and worried that it is not good for my baby”.
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| Subcategory 2.3: Lack of support |
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| Subcategory 2.4: Less/decrease interaction and involvement |
(29y, health care worker): “I was forced by my family members to take maternity leave at just 24 weeks of pregnancy… I miss my workplace, the support of my colleagues and feel sulky throughout the day. This confinement due to COVID‐19 is most irritating to me."
(28y, primigravida): “I feel like I am socially boycotted, I cannot meet my friends, cannot go to my parents’ house or call them here, and cannot even meet my neighbours. I feel bored throughout the day."
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| Category 3: Coping Strategies |
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| Subcategory 3.1: Self‐motivation |
(34y, pregnant woman): "I stay active on WhatsApp, where I have family groups and friend groups. I watch TV, my favorite old series like Ramayana and Mahabharata….I have also joined the ‘Happiness program’ where I learn meditation".
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| Subcategory 3.2: Engage in pleasurable activities and family time |
(24y, pregnant woman): “I am enjoying my hobbies like painting and reading many old books that I have”. (27y, pregnant woman): "…I have a three‐year‐old son. I spend my time with him, teach him, play indoor games with him….".
(25y, Primigravida, 28 weeks): "because of COVID‐19 closures, my husband is at home, and I enjoy his company and support. He cooks my favourite dishes. Never in my married life, have I had such beautiful days".
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