Has COVID-19 affected your pregnancy?

New national study urges women to share how the pandemic has impacted their pregnancy.

University College London (UCL) is calling for pregnant women across the U.K. to take part in a CAP-COVID survey that aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and their babies. The survey is part of a study that will gather information about the experiences of pregnant women, including access to healthcare services during the pandemic.

The CAP-COVID study launched on 25 May 2020. The participant survey was designed by a team of doctors, scientists and academics at the Institute of Women's Health at UCL. The survey can be found on www.cap-covid.uk/. It is an online survey and is open to women who are currently pregnant.

Dr. Balachandren said: ''We are aware of the wider effects of lockdown and how the pandemic has affected women's access to fertility, contraceptive and abortion services. There is little information on the effect of COVID-19 on the outcome of pregnancy, especially early pregnancy."

The information gathered from the CAP-COVID study will inform current public health advice during the pandemic. It will also allow for better support and public healthcare provision for women in the future."

To take the CAP-COVID survey you need to be 18-45, and currently pregnant. The survey is voluntary and is open to women at all stages of pregnancy: "We are keen to hear from women at all stages of pregnancy, even if they are not sure about continuing their pregnancy." said Dr. Balachandren.

CAP-COVID is a public health initiative being undertaken by the Institute of Women's Health (IfWH) at University College London (UCL). It is funded by hospital charitable funds and is a not for profit initiative.