Study of How War Impacts Reproductive Choices and Mental Health in Ukrainian Women Before, During, and After Pregnancy

What this Trial Is About

This observational study aims to understand how the war in Ukraine affects womens reproductive decisions and their mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth. Researchers are exploring the relationship between wartime stress and trauma with pregnancy and childbirth choices, the mental health challenges women face during the perinatal period under conflict conditions, and which factors contribute to poorer mental health and childbirth experiences. The study plans to survey at least 300 women to gather comprehensive insights. Participants include women who are not pregnant but may plan to become pregnant, women currently pregnant at any gestational stage, women within 12 months postpartum, and partners who consent to participate as a supplementary group. The study involves completing questionnaires tailored to each participants reproductive stage and collecting routine clinical data from medical records related to maternal and neonatal health, with all data gathered under participant consent. During the study, participants will complete several mental health and reproductive health questionnaires at baseline, and again at 3, 6, and 12 months after enrollment. These assessments cover wellbeing, depression, birth trauma, pregnancy intentions, anxiety, trauma impact, and more. The study will also track clinical information from medical records. The findings are intended to develop an evidence-based model explaining reproductive behavior and perinatal mental health during wartime. Participation may last up to one year with regular assessments.

Women's Reproductive Choices and Mental Health During Pregnancy and After Birth in Wartime Ukraine