**5. Pregnancy and childbirth**

Pregnancy and childbirth is one of the most joyful news for a couple. Lot of physical and hormonal changes takes place in the body to prepare for a growing baby and childbirth. Many women may experience mood swings, irritability and psychological issues like sleep disturbances, anxiety, fear and depression along with the other physical symptoms of pregnancy. These changes also make women more prone to infections due to decreased immunity. During the pandemic though the emergency obstetrics care were functional but routine ante-natal care were suspended. Routine antenatal care involves inquiry regarding any high-risk factor posing present pregnancy at higher risk of any adverse outcome, routine examination for maternal and fetal well-being, immunisation during pregnancy, investigations, ultrasound and childbirth preparedness. Due to the limited knowledge and evidence about the COVID-19 and its impact on pregnancy it was assumed that COVID-19 can cause a threat to the pregnant women and baby. Many pregnant women suffered anxiety because of the fear of contracting the disease. Antenatal women also suffered psychological issues in the absence of routine antenatal checkup and medical reassurance that everything is going fine. Women with early pregnancy were unsure about the risk of COVID-19 to the baby and experienced more psychological issues. Some even terminated the pregnancy. Women in advanced pregnancy were distressed because of the uncertainty of the place of delivery and limited options for transport in odd hours, fear of contracting COVID-19 on hospital admission for delivery. Many women even chose to deliver at home by female relatives and suffered complications like.
