Everything feels just a little heavier, more wrought with implications, you know? – a mixed-methods study examining lifestyle behaviors, health, and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic

This mixed-methods study examines the effects of the early COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle behaviors, mental health, and healthcare access of pregnant and postpartum women in Austin, Texas. Quantitative data from 22 participants highlighted reduced physical activity, dietary shifts toward processed foods, and increased stress levels. Qualitative interviews revealed themes including adaptation to restrictions, psychosocial challenges, altered health behaviors, and disrupted healthcare access. Participants experienced heightened anxiety, reduced social support, and changes in antenatal and postnatal care, emphasizing the need for targeted support during societal disruptions.