Exploring the lived experiences of pregnancy: a qualitative semiological study in a mid-/post-COVID-19 context

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected health systems and much research has been carried out to understand this virus, including its effects on pregnant individuals. However, there is a scarcity of research employing a qualitative approach to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of pregnant women during this pandemic. This study aimed to compare the lived experiences of pregnant Greek women between the mid-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. It was an interdisciplinary study informed by the theories of social semiotics and medical semiotics. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 pregnant individuals (10 mid-COVID and 10 post-COVID) between March 2021 and June 2023. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by combining interpretative phenomenological analysis and photo-elicitation. Following analysis, three main themes emerged: medical monitoring, physical condition, and emotional stability. How participants thought about these themes appeared to be customised and based on their specific circumstances. There was a decrease in physical activity and a misunderstanding about what constitutes proper physical activity. The term “birth plan” was misleading and created false expectations in the participants. The hermeneutic mode encompassed both the individual and social aspects of understanding, which involve the personal values and perspectives of the pregnant individual. The participants’ semiotic interpretations put scientific medicine in a wider context. The findings underscore the transformative impact of COVID-19, as it transcends into a social determinant of health, influencing various health outcomes and shaping the daily lives of pregnant women.