For some pregnant women in Australia, the arrival of COVID-19 ushered in an unusually strange and lonely time. Reassuring face-to-face antenatal care was replaced by remote telehealth. Many gave birth supported by midwives dressed in PPE gear. In developing countries, women were considered lucky if they managed to secure an appointment with a midwife. In this episode, you’ll meet Burnet Institute’s Professor Caroline Homer, a leading midwifery researcher and maternal and newborn health expert. She talks about the crushing emotional toll of the pandemic on expectant mothers worldwide, alongside the success stories for maternal health. Content warning: this episode discusses miscarriage. Get the transcript here. Credits: Hosted by journalist Tracy Parish and Professor Brendan Crabb, a microbiologist, malaria researcher, and one of the best minds in infectious diseases and global health today. Produced by Written & Recorded Executive Producers: Serpil Senelmis & James Brandis Sound Design/Engineering: James Brandis Production Assistance: Nick Dalziel, Burnet Institute  How Science Matters was recorded on the traditional land of the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nations and we offer our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the cultural heritage of this land. Disclaimer: This podcast series was recorded between June and July 2021. For current information on the pandemic, please search for the latest official coronavirus advice in your area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.