Underground Births, Under Bombardment: Childbearing in Ukraine

Bombings, blackouts and displacement compound maternal anxiety. Still, many women persevere. “We must bring new life,” one said.

• Childbirth in Ukraine takes place underground due to the war
• Bombardment and blackouts negatively affect the mental health of pregnant women
• Many women continue to give birth despite war conditions
• Displacement and underground living increase complications during childbirth
• Human resilience and commitment to life are evident even in war conditions