"Trauma, isolation and abandonment."

Engender and the Health and Social Care Academy have published a new report spotlighting women’s experiences of pregnancy and maternity services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report, ‘“Trauma, abandonment and isolation”: Experiences of pregnancy and maternity services in Scotland during Covid-19’, draws on survey responses from over 200 women across Scotland.

It documents the profound and negative impact that public health restrictions had on access to vital healthcare across all aspects of these services from antenatal care, fertility treatment, to miscarriage and baby loss, birth and the postnatal period. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was felt across society. This report captures deeply personal and sensitive accounts that underscore a shared, collective journey among individuals who accessed pregnancy and maternity services during these challenging times.

Key findings include:

  • Confusing, contradictory and limited communication about Covid-19 mitigation measures caused extreme anxiety and distress for pregnant women.
  • The shift away from in-person care to remote appointments was a barrier to adequate standards of care.
  • Isolation as a result of restrictions negatively affected all aspects of pregnancy and maternity care. Women underwent invasive procedures, gave birth, and suffered miscarriage and baby loss without support, suffering trauma as a result.
  • Inflexible and inconsistent application of guidelines across different health board areas and health settings led to uncertainty and perceptions of unfairness.
  • A narrow focus on labour and delivery meant wider health needs were overlooked, including mental health and breastfeeding support.
  • Gendered health inequalities, such as pain management and the lack of an intersectional approach, were exacerbated by the pandemic.
  • Ongoing impacts include gaps in mental health support and experiences of trauma relating to isolation and poor care.

The report concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry and decision-makers in Scottish Government and health bodies. It highlights the need for a gendered and human rights approach to crisis management regarding healthcare, and for policy and services to take account of women’s particular experiences and needs at all life stages.


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