Publications from this study
Protocol for the Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic (PdP) Study
The PdP study was designed to investigate the associations among exposure to objective hardship caused by the pandemic, perceived stress and psychological distress in pregnant individuals, and developmental outcomes in their offspring.
Read the full protocol here.
Click to view full infographic.
Elevated depression and anxiety symptoms among pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Our study results indicate a substantial increase in anxiety and depression symptoms in pregnant individuals due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These elevated symptoms may have long-term impacts on their children.
Concerns over prenatal care, relationships, and feelings of isolation have had a significant impact on the mental health of pregnant individuals. However, garnering social support and regular physical activity seems to have a substantial positive impact.
Read the full article here.
Family mental health crisis: Parental depression, anxiety during COVID-19 will affect kids too
Our study was featured in an article from the Conversation on the impact of COVID-19 on parental depression and anxiety, as well as its effect on kids.
Mental health problems are expected to rise as a secondary effect of COVID-19 and parental stress, anxiety and depression are expected to have long-term consequences on children.
Read the full article here.
Prenatal care disruptions and associations with maternal mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased anxiety and depression in pregnant Canadians. This study aimed to identify which pandemic-related disruptions to regular prenatal care were most likely to contribute to these aspects of mental health. Cancellations of prenatal care appointments, changes to childcare plans during birth, and changes to the support person attending birth were associated with greater odds of experiencing depression and/or anxiety.
The results of this study highlight the need for reliable and accessible prenatal care during the pandemic, such as mental health screening and coordination of care providers.
Read the full article here.
Alcohol and substance use in pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Pregnant individuals are currently experiencing elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, which may increase risk of substance use and potentially result in poor perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes for children.
Higher depression symptoms predicted more tobacco use in pregnancy, while COVID-19-specific financial difficulties predicted more substance use in pregnancy. The results of this study highlight the need for perinatal, mental health, and financial support during pandemic.
Read the abstract here.
Fear of COVID-19, mental health, and pregnancy outcomes in the pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic study
Sustained fear during pregnancy has the potential to increase psychological distress and obstetric risk. This study aimed to (1) identify factors and characteristics associated with fear of COVID-19, (2) investigate the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and maternal anxiety and depression, and (3) determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and pregnancy outcomes.
The findings of this study suggest that sociodemographic, health, and obstetric factors may contribute to increased fear of COVID-19 and associated adverse psychological and pregnancy outcomes.
Read the full article here.
Click to watch the video.
Sleep and mental health in pregnancy during COVID-19: A parallel process growth model
Pregnancy is associated with elevated risk for poor sleep quality and the COVID-19 pandemic has seen increased reports of disturbed sleep worldwide. This study aimed to examine changes in pregnant individuals’ sleep, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic, and to understand how sleep was associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression over time.
The findings of the study suggests that early interventions targeting sleep quality can promote improved sleep and mental health throughout pregnancy.
Read the full article here.
Prenatal Maternal Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associations With Infant Brain Connectivity
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantially elevated distress in pregnant individuals, which has the potential to affect the developing infant brain. The main objective of this study was to understand how prenatal distress was related to infant brain structure and function and whether social support moderated the associations.
The findings suggest a potentially long-lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and show that social support acts as a possible mediator not just for pregnant individuals but also developing infants.
Read the full article here.
Presented by Mercedes Bagshawe at the 2021 Canada National Perinatal Research Meeting. Click the poster to watch the presentation recording.
Presented by Laura Rojas at the 2021 Canada National Perinatal Research Meeting. Click the poster to watch the presentation recording.
Presented by Preeti Kar at the 2021 Canada National Perinatal Research Meeting.
Presented by Yanan Wang at the 2021 Canada National Perinatal Research Meeting.
Presented by Stuti Patel at the CPA 2022 Annual General Meeting and National Convention, Canadian National Perinatal Research Meeting, and Having IMPACTT 2 symposium.
Presented by Katherine Silang at the Canadian Psychological Association 2022 National Convention.
Presented by Dr. Charlie Rioux at the Harvard Women in Psychology Trends in Psychology Summit and 2021 Canadian Psychological Association National Convention.
Presented by Jasleen Kaur at the COVGEN Summit 2021.
Presented by Greis Beharaj at the 2022 Owerko Centre Conference in Calgary, Alberta.
Presented by Jasleen Kaur at the Canadian Psychological Association 2023 National Convention and the Canadian National Perinatal Research Meeting.