A mixed-methods investigation of the impact of prolonged COVID-19 restrictions on expectant and newborn parents’ experiences of control

Background: Parental sense of control during pregnancy and early parenthood is critical for self-efficacy, parenting behaviour, and child outcomes. Restrictions during COVID-19 led to a decline in parental sense of control but less is known about the impact of prolonged restrictions. Aims: To investigate the impact of prolonged COVID-19 restrictions on expectant and newborn parents’ experiences of control over decisions regarding pregnancy and parenting. Method: Quantitative and qualitative survey data was collected from 130 expectant and newborn parents approximately one year after first restrictions in response to COVID-19 were introduced in the UK (April-October 2021) to examine control over decisions during prolonged restrictions. Results: The majority of expectant parents reported negative experiences of control as opposed to just over half of newborn parents. Expectant parents qualitatively described only factors reducing their experience of control, whereas newborn parents described both factors that reduced and increased their experience of control. Most expectant parents reported no change in confidence, however the majority of newborn parents reported feeling less confident over time. Both groups of parents reported feeling lonelier over time. Conclusion: Both expectant and newborn parents experienced reduced control over pregnancy and parenting decisions during COVID-19 prolonged restrictions, with qualitative reports highlighting unique challenges for the two groups. The findings highlight ways in which experience of control could be improved for expectant and newborn parents.