Examination of the status of pregnant women receiving prenatal care and the factors affecting it during the COVID–19 pandemic process

The research was conducted in order to examine the status of pregnant women receiving prenatal care and the factors affecting it during the Covid 19 pandemic process This cross-sectional and descriptive research was carried out between 20.01.2021 and 20.04.2021 using the online (online) snowball sampling method via google form.77 pregnant women participated in the study. The questionnaire form containing socio-demographic characteristics of pregnant women, obstetric characteristics, features related to the last prenatal care taken by the pregnant woman was used to collect the data. Statistical analyzes were performed with the SPSS 20.0 program and the level of significance was evaluated as 0.05 (p-value) in statistical analyses. A statistically significant difference was found between the age of the pregnant woman, education level, employment status, place of residence and the number of receiving prenatal care (p<0.05). The average age of women who received 5 or more antenatal care services during the pandemic was found to be 33.0. In the study, the rate of pregnant women who received 5 or more follow-ups, living in the city center, had a university/college level of education and working was found to be significantly higher than the other groups. In the study, it was found that pregnant women who are at 24-32 weeks of gestation, who received prenatal care in their previous pregnancy, have a higher level of receiving prenatal care. Although women were mostly followed up for five or more during their pregnancies during the pandemic period, it was concluded that these follow-ups were mostly carried out in private hospitals and the function of primary health care institutions in receiving prenatal care services decreased. During the Covid-19 pandemic period, it is necessary to apply measures such as limiting prenatal checks as much as possible or monitoring from home. Following the pregnant women by making home visits in accordance with the hygiene rules will minimize the risk of transmission. Keywords: Prenatal care, midwifery, pregnancy, pandemic