Implications Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Maternal Mental Health And Coping Strategies Used By High-Risk Pregnant Women

Context: High-risk pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to psychological disorders due to pregnancyrelated complications, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these risks. This study aimed to identify the coping strategies used by high-risk pregnant women and assess the prevalence of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to August 2021 with 104 high-risk pregnant women, divided into two groups: the DMG group (gestational diabetes) and the HAS group (gestational hypertension). Data collection was performed using questionnaires, including the DASS-21, the Coping Strategies Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. The participants filled out the questionnaires while waiting for routine consultations at the high-risk pregnancy outpatient clinic of a reference hospital in southern Brazil. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 21, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The most commonly used coping strategies were religiosity-focused coping (48.1%) and problemfocused coping (22.1%). Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress ranged from normal to mild, but in the HAS group, a high prevalence of anxiety was observed (37.5%). Conclusion: High-risk pregnant women adopt coping strategies primarily focused on religiosity and problemsolving. The pandemic exacerbated emotional challenges, especially for women with gestational hypertension. These findings highlight the importance of integrated psychosocial approaches to support maternal well-being during times of crisis