Balancing restrictions and access to maternity care for women and birthing partners during the COVID‐19 pandemic: the psychosocial impact of suboptimal care

Key points Maternity services across Europe during the pandemic has undergone changes to limit virus transmission; however, many changes are not evidence-based. While these changes were introduced to keep women, babies, and healthcare staff safe, the exclusion of companions and the separation of mothers and babies is particularly antithetical to a human rights-based approach to quality care. A poll of COST Action 18211 network members showed that inconsistency in the application of restrictions was high, and that there were significant deviations from the recommendations of authoritative bodies. Concerns have emerged that restrictions in practice may have longer term negative impacts on mothers and their families, but in particular, may impact on the long-term health of babies. When practice changes deviate from evidence-based frameworks that underpin quality care they must be monitored, appraised and evaluated to minimize unintended iatrogenic effects.