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Social media impact on mental health of pregnant women alarming

The alarming potential impact of social media use on the mental health of expectant mothers has been revealed in a new ACU study.

Published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the research found a strong link between high levels of problematic social media use and increased psychological distress during pregnancy.

Researchers Rachel Dryer and Adele Samra, from ACU’s School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, found women who engaged excessively with social media reported higher levels of depression, anxiety related to pregnancy, and disordered eating attitudes.

The study highlights how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok showcase idealised versions of life and unattainable body standards.

“For pregnant women, who are already dealing with significant physical and emotional changes, these portrayals can increase pressure to conform to unrealistic expectations, such as minimal weight gain and a ‘perfect bump’,” Associate Professor Dryer said.

“For some women, this societal pressure can contribute to greater body dissatisfaction and psychological distress.”

A total of 225 pregnant women, aged between 19 and 40, were surveyed across Australia. They provided detailed information about their social media usage, body image perceptions, and levels of psychological distress, including depression, pregnancy-related anxiety, and disordered eating attitudes.

The study found:

• Pregnant women who frequently compared themselves to others on social media experienced greater feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, which intensified their anxiety and depression.
• Exposure to idealised body images on social media significantly worsened body dissatisfaction among pregnant women which led to higher levels of depression and unhealthy eating patterns.

The researchers noted that problematic social media use is driven by algorithms designed to maximise engagement, including personalised content, autoplay videos, and constant notifications.

“This compulsive use has been linked to negative mental health outcomes, echoing findings from previous research in the general population,” Associate Professor Dryer said

She recommends healthcare providers address body dissatisfaction and problematic social media use during routine antenatal care.

Interventions at this stage can reduce social media use and promote healthy body image to alleviate psychological distress as the pregnancy advances.

“As social media continues to shape our lives, the findings highlight an urgent need for healthcare providers and educational campaigns to support pregnant women in developing healthier digital habits and managing body image concerns,” she said.

Media Contact: Elisabeth Tarica, Australian Catholic University on 0418 756 941 or elisabeth.tarica@acu.edu.au