Post-Traumatic Growth in a Canadian Perinatal Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Examination.

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic growth (PTG) has been examined in the context of COVID-19-related stress; however, there has been less consideration for PTG in more vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and postpartum women. This study aimed to qualitatively explore PTG (through silver lining experiences) in a perinatal population and to understand how these experiences evolved over the course of the pandemic. METHODS: Data came from COVID-19 Survey Canada, which was administered online at three time points across 12-months: May 2020, November 2020, and May 2021 (N = 1074). At baseline, 61 perinatal women (pregnant to 12 months postpartum) responded to an open-ended question asking participants to report on "silver linings" during the pandemic. Responses were analyzed using content analysis to identify themes of PTG. RESULTS: Silver lining experiences were quantified into five main themes: (1) connection and support (sub-themes: more time with family, partner being home, and new ways to connect); (2) changes to everyday life (sub-themes: change of pace/routine, more time for other activities, better working conditions, and financial benefits); (3) reframing life circumstances (sub-themes: time without the "noise" of life and positive perspective/gratitude); (4) health and healthcare impacts (sub-themes: personal and societal); and (5) no silver lining. DISCUSSION: Identified themes reflect PTG theory and demonstrate that appreciating newfound time, particularly with family, is a foundational component of positive experiences for perinatal women. These findings highlight pathways to growth that can inform risk screening and tailored interventions in the context of future pandemics or individual challenges for perinatal women.