Abstract
<jats:p><p><strong>Context and relevance.</strong> During the pandemic, there has been an increase in mental health problems among pregnant women and young mothers, including PTSD (10.5&ndash;27.93%). Maladaptive coping strategies have prevailed, and PTSD during pregnancy correlates with problems in the physical development of children. After the birth of a child, it can negatively affect relationships with partners, children, lead to decreased breastfeeding, problems with behavior and socio-emotional development in children, as well as a negative attitude towards the child. However, the attitude toward a child can also be a protective factor for a woman's mental health. <strong>Objective.</strong> The aim is to study the indicators and dynamics of PTSD in women during pregnancy and after childbirth, as well as the relationship between PTSD indicators and mental health values and attitudes toward the child during the COVID-19 pandemic. <strong>Methods and materials.</strong> The study involves 283 pregnant women aged 28&ndash;42, after the birth of a child, 72 people from this sample participated in the study. The following scales were used: Impact of Event Scale, &ldquo;Attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood&rdquo; Tests, Pre- and Postnatal Attachment Scales, ASEBA and Reactive Anxiety Scale. <strong>Results</strong> revealed a decrease in PTSD after childbirth. Its predictors were some indicators of mental health at both studied points. Three types of attitudes toward pregnancy/motherhood and child have an impact on PTSD both periods. Use of non-constructive coping strategies during pregnancy affects PTSD in first year of child's life. Risk group is women with high level of PTSD during pregnancy. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> Specialists should pay attention to pregnant and young mothers with high levels PTSD as well as pronounced anxious attitudes towards pregnancy and child.</p></jats:p>