What are the mental health issues of postpartum mothers during a pandemic? A scoping review

Abstract

Background. Postpartum mothers’ mental health has a significant role in mothers' well-being and child's growth and development. This issue is worsened during a pandemic when social restrictions are regulated, resulting in perceived stress, baby blues, postpartum depression, and other mental health issues.

Objective. This study intends to investigate postpartum mothers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods. This study's methodology is a scoping review using the prism-ScR checklist, the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool, and a population, exposure, outcome framework. It uses 4 databases: Pubmed, Willey, Proquest, and ScienceDirect; its inclusion criteria is original English articles that can be accessed in full text between 2020 and 2022.

Results. Out of 190 publications, we found 7 that are pertinent to the research goals. Qualitative research, cross-sectional studies, and longitudinal studies make up the research. The mapping result includes 4 themes: the types of mental health problems experienced by postpartum moms during the Pandemic, risk and predictive factors, postpartum mothers’ experiences, and the effects of mothers’ mental health problems.

Conclusion. After giving birth, most mothers experience stress, anxiety, and depression. Postpartum mental health concerns are influenced by isolation, social exclusion, and crises. The creation of a customized plan for early assistance for a woman's mental health requirements, as well as the establishment of an accessible mental health provider, including medical personnel and medical facilities, is advised for pregnant and postpartum women.