The rise of social media has transformed the way humans communicate, gather information, and understand themselves and others. Although social media has brought numerous benefits in terms of connectivity and information sharing, its impact on vulnerable populations such as pregnant women has raised concerns among health professionals, psychologists, and social scientists. Pregnancy is a period marked by extreme physical, hormonal, and psychological changes. A woman’s body undergoes changes that affect her physical health, mental state, and emotional well-being. During this period, women often experience heightened sensitivity, anxiety, and sensitivity to external stimuli, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of social media. The adverse effects of social media on pregnant women are multifaceted, including mental health disturbances, effects on physical health, social and familial effects, and even consequences for fetal development.
Historically, the concept of maternal vulnerability during pregnancy has been recognized for centuries. Ancient societies often imposed strict guidelines on the behaviour, diet and lifestyle of pregnant women, understanding that maternal stress and exposure to negative influences could impact the baby. With the advent of modern technology and the rise of social media platforms in the early 21st century, pregnant women have been exposed to an unprecedented flow of information, advice, images and opinions regarding pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing. Although some of this information is valuable, a significant portion of it is misleading, sensationalist or critical. Pregnant women navigating these platforms often face unrealistic beauty standards, conflicting medical advice, stories of pregnancy complications and pressure to conform to social expectations. Unlike previous generations, the modern pregnant woman cannot easily escape these messages; these messages are constantly exposed through feeds, notifications and group discussions.
The most prominent negative effect of social media on pregnant women is increased anxiety and stress. Social media platforms often highlight best-case scenarios: women with flawless pregnancies, perfect bodies, and ideal newborns. Constant exposure to such content can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and fear of failure in expectant mothers. Women may compare themselves to their peers or influencers, and worry about whether their weight gain is appropriate, whether their symptoms are normal, or whether they are emotionally ready for motherhood. Research has consistently shown that increased stress during pregnancy can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, and developmental challenges for the fetus. Social media further exacerbates these stressors, as negative feedback, trolling, or critical comments from online communities can directly affect self-esteem and mental stability.
Another profound psychological effect is the development of depressive symptoms. Pregnant women who spend excessive time on social media often experience increased feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation. Social comparison theory explains this phenomenon: individuals evaluate their lives based on the perceived successes and happiness of others, often leading to dissatisfaction. For a pregnant woman, who is already struggling with emotional instability due to hormonal fluctuations, this comparison can lead to depressive mood. In severe cases, such long-term exposure can lead to clinical depression, which affects not only the mother’s health but also prenatal care, nutritional intake, and overall lifestyle, thereby indirectly affecting the health of the fetus.
In addition to anxiety and depression, social media can distort a pregnant woman’s perception of reality. The platforms are filled with unverified information, myths, and anecdotal experiences that can confuse or mislead pregnant mothers. For example, conflicting advice about diet, exercise, prenatal supplements, and preparation for childbirth can be disturbing to the woman, leading to feelings of paralysis or excessive anxiety. Pregnant women may feel compelled to follow trends or challenges promoted online, such as diet fads, exercise routines, or cosmetic treatments, which may not be safe during pregnancy. Reliance on social media for health information may inadvertently lead women to ignore professional medical guidance, exposing both mother and baby to preventable risks.
Physically, social media can indirectly affect health through poor sleep patterns. Many pregnant women, especially in their first or third trimester, struggle with insomnia or restless sleep. The habit of scrolling late at night or constantly checking feeds exacerbates this problem. The blue light from screens disrupts circadian rhythms, reducing the production of melatonin, a hormone important for sleep regulation. Poor sleep during pregnancy is associated with high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, fatigue, and decreased cognitive function. In addition, sleep deprivation increases emotional sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of anxiety and depression. Thus, behavioral patterns associated with social media use directly contribute to a cycle of declining mental and physical health.
Social media also affects pregnant women’s interpersonal relationships. Spending excessive time online can reduce face-to-face interactions with partners, family members, and friends. The emotional support that is crucial during pregnancy can be replaced by superficial online interactions, which may not provide the same depth of empathy or reassurance. In addition, disagreements or misunderstandings resulting from social media exposure—such as reading unsolicited advice or judgmental comments—can create friction with loved ones. This lack of meaningful support can further increase stress, creating a negative feedback loop that impairs both maternal and fetal well-being.
Another overlooked aspect is exposure to graphic content. Pregnant women often seek out information online to prepare for childbirth. However, social media platforms contain unfiltered images or videos of medical procedures, complications, and traumatic birth experiences. For a woman who is already anxious about childbirth, viewing such content can increase fear, create anticipatory anxiety, and if the childbirth experience is complicated, it can also increase post-traumatic stress. This increased fear can lead to increased cortisol levels, which cross the placental barrier and can affect fetal brain development, predisposing the baby to behavioral or emotional challenges later in life.
The social pressures exacerbated by social media cannot be underestimated. Modern platforms perpetuate a culture of ideal motherhood, and emphasize physical appearance, parenting style, and lifestyle choices. Pregnant women are constantly confronted with images of celebrities and influencers who “bounce back” quickly after childbirth or maintain an immaculate lifestyle while pregnant. These unrealistic portrayals impose significant psychological burdens, leaving women feeling inadequate, self-critical, or anxious about their ability to meet social expectations. The pressure to conform to online standards can also lead to harmful behaviors such as restrictive diets, excessive exercise, or overreliance on cosmetic products, which can endanger maternal and fetal health.
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