What to Expect When Expecting? Experiences of Pregnant Women in Serbia during the COVID-19 Pandemic and State of Emergency

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the experiences of non-infected pregnant women in in Serbia during the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency by applying a qualitative research method. The present analysis examines four aspects of being pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic and the s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ana Bilinović Rajačić, Jovana Čikić
Format: Article
Language:ces
Published: Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Sociology 2023-09-01
Series:Gender a Výzkum
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Online Access:https://genderonline.cz/en/artkey/gav-202301-0006_what-to-expect-when-expecting-experiences-of-pregnant-women-in-serbia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-state-o.php
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Summary:The aim of this paper is to shed light on the experiences of non-infected pregnant women in in Serbia during the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency by applying a qualitative research method. The present analysis examines four aspects of being pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency: (a) pregnant women's health and health care; (b) preparation for childbirth and the arrival of a new family member; (c) working while pregnant during the pandemic; and (d) the family atmosphere and family practices. The results show that the coronavirus pandemic affected pregnant women both psychologically and socially. The following conditions had a negative impact on pregnant women: (a) worrying about both their own health and the health of their baby; (b) a significant reduction in the level and quality of health-care support; (c) a decrease in 'external' parental support as a result of the need to socially isolate; (d) difficulties in managing their professional and family obligations; (e) missing their regular pre-pandemic activities; and (f) a decrease in total family income as a result of changes to employment conditions during the pandemic. Respondents who experienced pregnancy positively had high levels of marital adjustment and a stable family income and enjoyed spending more time with their husband and children during the pandemic.
ISSN:2570-6578
2570-6586