Investigating the Relationship Between COVID-19 Stress in Pregnant Women and Mode of Delivery, APGAR Score, and Anthropometric Indices of Newborns

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a wave of anxiety and stress in all segments of society, especially among pregnant women. Stress poses a significant health concern for pregnant women, potentially impacting maternal and fetal well-being.

This study aims to explore the relationship between COVID-19 stress in pregnant women and the mode of delivery, APGAR score, and anthropometric indices of newborns.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021, employing a survey method on 195 pregnant women who sought delivery at 22 Bahman Hospital in Khaf. Data collection involved the use of the standard COVID Stress Scale (CSS). SPSS-22 software was utilized for the analysis, employing Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression tests at a significance level of 0.05.

Pregnant women who underwent cesarean sections exhibited significantly higher levels of COVID-19-related stress compared to those who had natural deliveries (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between the APGAR scores in the first and fifth minutes and the anthropometric indices (weight, length, and head circumference) of newborns concerning COVID-19 stress (p<0.001). Moreover, maternal stress emerged as a predictor for the type of delivery, APGAR scores, length, and head circumference of newborns (p<0.001).

The study underscores the adverse impact of COVID-19 stress on maternal pregnancy outcomes, particularly leading to elevated cesarean section rates. The substantial influence of this stress on the APGAR score and anthropometric indices of newborns highlights the significance of implementing screening, counseling, and stress reduction education for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.