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Childbirth experience and practice changing during COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective cohort study.
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  • Annalisa Inversetti,
  • Simona Fumagalli,
  • Antonella Nespoli,
  • Laura Antolini,
  • Serena Mussi,
  • Debora Ferrari,
  • Anna Locatelli
Annalisa Inversetti
Carate Brianza Hospital, ASST Vimercate

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Simona Fumagalli
University of Milan–Bicocca
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Antonella Nespoli
University of Milan–Bicocca
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Laura Antolini
University of Milan–Bicocca
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Serena Mussi
Carate Brianza Hospital, ASST Vimercate
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Debora Ferrari
University of Milan–Bicocca
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Anna Locatelli
University of Milan–Bicocca
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Abstract

Objective: To compare mothers’ satisfaction at birth and intrapartum care during COVID-19 pandemic compared to a pre-COVID cohort. Design: Prospective cohort study Setting: Low risk maternity unit in Northern Italy Population: Women who delivered during COVID-19 pandemic compared to a pre-COVID cohort recruited in the same setting in February-May, 2018. Methods: Italian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (I-BSS-R) was used. Main Outcome Measures: Satisfaction at birth in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and intrapartum care variables. Results: 377 women were included (277 pre-COVID and 100 during COVID pandemic). A higher rate of induction [40%, COVID versus 25% pre-COVID, p 0.004], fewer active phases >12 h [6% COVID versus 15% pre-COVID, p 0.018] and more acceleration with oxytocin [35% COVID versus 24.9% pre-COVID, p 0.05] were found. No differences in terms of satisfaction at birth were reported (I-BSS-R mean 27.0, SD 5.3 versus mean 27.6, SD 6.1, p 0.34). Intrapartum variables that significantly reduced maternal satisfaction were the same in the two groups: epidural analgesia (p< 0.0001 in both groups), prolonged active phases (p < 0.0001 in both), oxytocin administration (p<0.0001 in both) and operative delivery (p 0.0009 versus p 0.0019). The lowest scores in COVID era were found in those who underwent induction of labor, active phases >12 h and CS in labor. Conclusions: No differences were reported concerning global satisfaction at birth, despite an increased rate of active intrapartum intervention. Keywords: Childbirth experience, COVID-19, intrapartum intervention