Zahra Pajohideh - Department of Midwifery, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
Solmaz Mohammadi - Department of Midwifery, Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

Background: COVID-۱۹ has altered and challenged healthcare and childbirth services provision. Midwives are among the first and most influential childbirth care providers during the COVID-۱۹ pandemic. However, there is insufficient information about their experiences in delivering healthcare services, especially in Iran.Objectives: This study aimed to explore midwives' challenges in providing prenatal care during the COVID-۱۹ pandemic.Methods: This qualitative study utilized conventional content analysis and was conducted from February ۲۰۲۱ to July ۲۰۲۱ in Shushtar, Iran. A total of ۱۵ midwives were purposively selected with maximum diversity as participants. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured online interviews. MAXQDA (V۱۰) software was used for data analysis.Results: Data analysis resulted in ۲۷۱ codes, ۱۰ subcategories, and four main categories: "Care Environment", "Management of the Care Process", "Maternal Self-Care", and "Psychosocial Stress".Conclusion: The findings of this qualitative study highlight the challenges midwives face in providing prenatal care, offering valuable insights for achieving quality care during crises. Focusing on these dimensions can help health policymakers design quality healthcare services during emergencies.

Challenges, prenatal care, midwives, Pandemic, COVID-۱۹, qualitative research