Maternal Psychology Amid Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Abstract: The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine has created a prolonged context of trauma, displacement, and instability, posing serious challenges for maternal mental health. Although an increasing body of research has emerged in response, findings remain fragmented, limiting their applicability to inform practice. This review aims to map the available empirical evidence on maternal mental health among Ukrainian women during the war and evaluate the methodological and reporting practices. Following PRISMA guidelines, the authors identified peer-reviewed studies published from 2022 to 2025 through Scopus. Eligible studies reported empirical data on the mental health of pregnant women or mothers. Given substantial heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively following SWiM guidance. Methodological quality and potential risk of bias were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, alongside evaluation of transparency and reporting practices. Overall, 16 studies involving 3,194 Ukrainian women met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative studies were predominantly cross-sectional, frequently examining displacement and reporting elevated levels of depression, postpartum depression, and stress; measures and analytic strategies varied considerably. Qualitative studies identified three overarching themes: psychological burden and emotional responses to war, resources and coping strategies, and disrupted or reconfigured maternity and healthcare experiences. Qualitative studies were generally higher in methodological quality, while quantitative studies showed greater variability. Reporting transparency, particularly concerning data availability and missing data, was frequently limited. Findings indicate a substantial psychological burden among Ukrainian mothers affected by war, but methodological and reporting limitations constrain interpretability and comparability. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, validated measures, and enhanced transparency to strengthen the emerging evidence base.