INTRODUCTION: Our study (part of multicentric "MindCOVID") investigates risk factors for anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study used a prospective cross-sectional design. Data was collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. Standardized scales, general anxiety disorder (GAD)-7 and patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9 were administered online. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic, medical and psychological variables. RESULTS: The Czech sample included 1830 pregnant women. An increase of depressive and anxiety symptoms measured by PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with unfavorable financial situation, low social and family support, psychological and medical problems before and during pregnancy and infertility treatment. Fear of being infected and adverse effect of COVID-19, feeling of burden related to restrictions during delivery and organization of delivery and feeling of burden related to finances were associated with worse anxiety and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Social and emotional support and lack of financial worries are protective factors against mood disorders in pregnant women in relation to COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, adequate information about organization of delivery and additional support from healthcare professionals during the delivery are needed. Our findings can be used for preventive interventions, given that repeated pandemics in the future are anticipated.

• Keywords
• anxiety, covid-19, depression, mental health, pregnant women, risk factors, socioeconomic status,
• MeSH
• COVID-19 * epidemiology   psychology   MeSH
• Depression diagnosis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pandemics prevention & control   MeSH
• Prospective Studies MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Pregnant People psychology   MeSH
• Anxiety diagnosis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic epidemiology   MeSH