Changes in Health Behaviour and Emotional Well-Being of Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latvia

Abstract

Pregnancy is a vulnerable period of life for changes in physical and mental health, which could be exacerbated by COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on health behaviour and emotional well-being among pregnant women in Latvia. The cross-sectional study included 269 women: pregnant women in the third trimester and women until the 7th day post-partum. The study was conducted between July and October 2020, performed by a trained interviewer. Information regarding demographic, anthropometric data, self-assessment of changes in nutritional habits, daily physical activities, and emotional well-being due to the COVID-19 pandemic was collected. 31.6% reported cooking at home more often and only 10.4% reported eating more often and/or larger portions, 23.2% were going on walks outdoors more often, 32.9% were feeling anxious, insecure about health of themselves and relatives, and 24.8% were lacking communication with friends and family. Latvian women were emotionally more affected than other nationalities (p = 0.015). Overall, women 30+ years of age were more often affected then women aged up to 30 years (p = 0.014). These results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had notable impact on health behaviour and emotional well-being in pregnant women in Latvia, especially on women 30+ years of age, who may need more careful counselling.