Motherhood experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v26i1.e15919

Keywords:

mother-child relations, parenting, COVID-19

Abstract

The containment measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, although essential, had significant implications for women who gave birth during this period. This integrative literature review with a qualitative focus aimed to map and analyze national and international literature on women's motherhood experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases: CINAHL, Embase, LILACS/IndexPSI, PsycINFO, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science, following the PRISMA protocol. A total of 6,119 articles were identified, peer-reviewed and managed using Rayyan software. After removing duplicates, conducting a double-blind screening of titles and abstracts, and reading full texts according to eligibility criteria, 19 articles were included for analysis. Through reflexive thematic analysis, four thematic categories emerged. The results indicated that mothers experienced a range of adverse feelings and situations during the pandemic, such as losses related to the postnatal experience, stress due to social isolation, lack of support or absence of individuals from their social networks, and fear of virus contamination. However, maternal reports also highlighted some perceived benefits brought by the pandemic, such as reduced visits, improved bonding with the newborn, successful breastfeeding due to increased time with the baby, greater partner involvement, reduced social pressure, and access to telehealth services. Understanding women’s motherhood experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic can support health professionals in developing interventions for future public health crises.

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Author Biographies

Alcimeri Kühl Amaral, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Doctoral candidate in Health and Psychological Development at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, in the Psychoanalysis and Cultural Formations research group, from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP). Psychoanalyst trained at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies of São Paulo (CEP), where she also teaches in the Psychoanalysis Training program. Holds a specialization in Maternity Psychology from São Luiz Hospital (SP). Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mackenzie Presbyterian University and Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC). Undergraduate and graduate university lecturer and researcher at the Family and Community Laboratory - LABASFAAC - at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).

Marina Menezes, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC. Permanent faculty member in the Graduate Program in Psychology. Tutor for the Integrated Multiprofessional Health Residency at the UFSC University Hospital. Coordinator of the Health, Family, and Community Psychology Laboratory (LABSFAC/UFSC). Lead Researcher of the Research Group: Health, Family, and Community Psychology (UFSC) and researcher at the Center for Studies and Research in Child Development (UFSC). Member of the Working Group - Health Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development - ANPEPP. Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Master's in Psychology (Area of Concentration: Psychology and Society) from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), and PhD in Psychology (Area of Concentration: Psychosocial Processes, Health, and Psychological Development) from the Graduate Program in Psychology at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). Specialist in Clinical Psychology - Federal Council of Psychology - CFP.

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Published

2026-02-19

How to Cite

Amaral, A. K., & Menezes, M. (2026). Motherhood experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative literature review. Revista Subjetividades, 26(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.5020/23590777.rs.v26i1.e15919

Issue

Section

Literature Review