The role of fear of COVID-19 during pregnancy in controlling the pregnancy process and its effect on perceived stress before birth

The role of fear of COVID-19 during pregnancy in controlling the pregnancy process and its effect on perceived stress before birth P regnancy, although one of the most significant periods in a woman's life, brings with it numerous physical and psychological changes. [1,2]The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly heightened uncertainty, anxiety, and stress levels experienced during this period.Pregnant women, while trying to cope with stressors such as the fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus, difficulties in accessing healthcare services, social isolation, and quarantine, have also found their ability to manage the birth process adversely affected. [1,3]The stress and anxiety experienced during pregnancy can not only jeopardize the health of the expectant mother but also pose a threat to the development of the fetus. [4]om the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic onward, studies examining how stress and anxiety during pregnancy impact prenatal processes have demonstrated that the uncertainty and fear during this period lead to both psychological and physiological consequences. [3,[5][6]][7] In particular, the fear of contracting the virus and concerns that it could cause complications during childbirth have heightened stress levels among pregnant women.It is believed that this situation has significant implications for both preparation for childbirth and the postpartum period.For instance, research has indicated that fear of COVID-19 is linked to premature delivery, reduced birth weight, and various other negative pregnancy outcomes. [5,7]jectives: This research seeks to explore the distinct impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy, with particular emphasis on how fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress influence prenatal management.Methods: The sample of this descriptive and correlational research consisted of 89 pregnant women in a province in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey.Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S), the Health Locus of Control Scale for the Fetus, and the Antenatal Perceived Stress Inventory.Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of pregnant women's age, medical and obstetric risks affecting fetal health, psychosocial changes in pregnancy, expectations for childbirth, COVID-19 vaccination status, and recent loss variables on the Health Locus of Control Scale for the Fetus.A p<0.05 value was considered statistically significant. Results:The findings indicate that the fear of COVID-19 particularly lowers the focus on internal health checks and can lead to increased stress and anxiety during pregnancy.Additionally, it was concluded that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine has a positive impact on internal health check focus, thereby contributing to a safer and more controlled pregnancy process.Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of supporting both the psychological and physical health of pregnant women during the pandemic.