Social and Policy Responses to Maternal Mental Health: The Experiences of Primigravida Mother’s in India During COVID-19

Abstract

This scoping review synthesises evidence on the mental health and maternity care experiences of primigravida women in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework and Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis, 39 studies were reviewed to map key patterns. Seven interconnected themes emerged, with consistently reported psychological distress driven by anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. Disruptions to antenatal services and uneven access to telemedicine further limited care and heightened isolation. Community health workers played a critical supportive role, though their capacity was constrained by workload and resource shortages. Financial hardship and restricted access to welfare schemes additionally impeded care-seeking, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged women. Evidence on pandemic-specific maternal mental health initiatives showed mixed effectiveness and limited reach. Overall, the review indicates that COVID-19 intensified existing inequities and introduced new barriers to maternity care, underscoring the need for strengthened support systems, expanded digital access, and responsive social policies to protect maternal well-being in future crises.