The SWAN Study

Who can participate?

•     Expectant mothers in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (from the 26th week of pregnancy)
•     Participation of the partner in the study is desirable, but not a prerequisite
•     Start the study directly at (study in German only): ww2.unipark.de/uc/schwan-studie/

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact us by e-mail: Schwan.psychmail-med.uni-heidelberg.de

The limitations and changes caused by the COVID-19 virus, not only in terms of restrictions on social contacts and activities, but also in health care, trigger uncertainty and anxiety in many expectant parents.

The present study aims to examine the effects of parental stress experience due to the current COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy outcome, birth experience, and parent-child and couple relationships in the transition to parenthood. The focus will be on subjective stress experience and psychobiological stress reactivity.

The knowledge gained through this study will help develop prevention and intervention approaches to strengthen expectant parents' resilience and support the development of a good parent-child relationship and healthy child development.

Study procedure:

The study is divided into two parts: Sub-study 1 involves completion of online questionnaires at two measurement time points: T1 = 3rd trimester (26th – 32nd week of pregnancy) and T2 = 3–4 months postpartum.

The SWAN study is divided into two parts, sub-study 1 and sub-study 2:

Sub-study 1:

This part of the study includes two online surveys: T1 = during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester (26th – 32nd week of pregnancy) and T2 = 3–4 months after birth, each taking approximately 30 minutes.

All expectant mothers as well as their partner can participate in sub-study 1.

Sub-study 2:

For expectant mothers who are between the 26th – 32nd week of pregnancy and live in the Rhein-Neckar region or the greater Munich area, there is the possibility to participate in an additional survey and saliva sample measurement. You will receive further information on this part of the study at the end of the first online survey.