The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal Healthcare Services: The Experience of Hospitals in the Arab World

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected healthcare systems globally, with maternal healthcare services experiencing significant disruptions across the Arab world. This descriptive study examines the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on maternal healthcare delivery in Arab hospitals, exploring changes in service accessibility, quality of care, healthcare provider challenges, and maternal health outcomes. The pandemic necessitated rapid adaptations in healthcare delivery models, including the implementation of telehealth services, modified antenatal care protocols, and restructured labor and delivery practices. Arab world hospitals faced unique challenges related to resource constraints, cultural considerations, and varying levels of healthcare infrastructure development. This research synthesizes experiences from multiple Arab countries to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the pandemic transformed maternal healthcare services. Findings indicate substantial reductions in antenatal care visits, increased maternal anxiety and stress, disrupted continuity of care, and heightened concerns regarding infection transmission in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers experienced elevated stress levels, resource shortages, and challenges in maintaining standard care protocols while implementing infection prevention measures. Despite these challenges, the pandemic catalyzed innovations in healthcare delivery, including expanded telemedicine adoption and strengthened community health initiatives. Understanding these impacts is essential for developing resilient maternal healthcare systems capable of maintaining quality services during future health crises. The experiences documented across Arab hospitals provide valuable insights for policy makers and healthcare administrators seeking to enhance maternal healthcare preparedness and ensure continued access to essential services during emergencies.