<div>We conducted a study that aimed to shed light on the effects of COVID-19
on the emotional state of pregnant and postpartum women, which are
specifically vulnerable groups. A cross-sectional study based on a web
questionnaire for the assessment of general emotional stressor during
the quarantine period of COVID-19, from April 20th till May 7th.
Overall, 356 women of whom 251 pregnant and 101 post-partum filled the
questionnaire. Among 251 pregnant women, 199 (79.3 %) reported
moderate-high stress, 145 (57.8 %) high anxiety. A hundred and three
(41.0%) reported a high level of depression (PH2&gt;3). Among
pregnant women, the following were the most prevalent stressors: fear
that someone in their family will acquire the virus (80.1%), concern
for the health of the baby (77.7%), fear that someone close will die
from COVID-19 (72.9%) and worry of being infected within the hospital
(71.7%). Univariate analysis of stress revealed that age (χ2=10.93,
p&lt;.004) and income level (χ2=13.35, p&lt;.001) were
associated with the level of stress. Stepwise logistic regression
revealed that both age and income levels below the mean were predictors
of stress. Among the 165 multiparous pregnant women, age (25-34 vs.
35-44) as a predictor of stress (p&lt;.04). Our study clearly
showed an enormous negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the
emotional condition of both pregnant and postpartum women. This provides
an insight into the relation between economy and emotional state during
the uncertainty period. This adds challenges to the healthcare system in
providing means and solutions during disasters</div>