Introduction: During pregnancy, significant physiological changes occur that can impact women's mental health. Depression and anxiety are common issues among pregnant women, with estimates suggesting that one in five women in the perinatal period experiences changes in their mental health. These problems can have serious consequences for the pregnant woman, the fetus, and the child. The covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues as pregnant women faced additional challenges such as quarantine and isolation, increasing the risk of mental health problems like stress, panic, anger, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma work is to investigate and describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of pregnant women and the role of healthcare professionals in this context. Methods: In this diploma work, we employed a descriptive method with a literature review to explore the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of pregnant women and the role of healthcare professionals in this field. Literature search included both Slovenian and English language sources and was conducted from April 2022 to August 2023. A total of 18 literature sources were included in the final analysis. Results: The risk of depression and anxiety increased due to the covid-19 pandemic, which worsened the mental health of pregnant women. Pregnant women reported fear of infection, loneliness, lack of support, and other stressful experiences. The pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health and pregnancy experience. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing emotional support, communication, monitoring mental health, and other methods to manage anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Discussion and Conclusion: The covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health of pregnant women, causing anxiety, depression, and stress due to uncertainty and isolation. Women's experiences of pregnancy during the pandemic varied, with some experiencing isolation, loneliness, and lack of support, negatively affecting their mental health. Healthcare professionals have a vital role in providing support and addressing mental health issues among pregnant women, especially during the covid-19 pandemic.
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