Work

Worries and information seeking during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study among 1402 expectant Norwegian women active on social media platforms

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Pregnant women often navigate extensive information from healthcare professionals, social networks and online sources, which can increase anxiety. Understanding their concerns and preferred information sources is crucial for effective antenatal care.Objective To explore worries and information-seeking behaviour among pregnant women in Norway using social media.Methods An anonymous, web-based survey was conducted among 1402 pregnant women in Norway from January to March 2022, distributed via Facebook and Instagram. The survey covered 11 pregnancy worries, eight postpartum worries, information sources and thoughts regarding childbirth.Results Nearly, all participants had concerns, mainly about foetal anomalies (99%, n = 1381), miscarriage (95%, n = 1332) and childbirth (85%, n = 1195). Postpartum worries included physical changes (90%, n = 1266), breastfeeding (85%, n = 1187) and financial situation (74%, n = 1030). Major worries were more common among first-time mothers and women with financial insecurity. Most women sought information from quality-assured public health websites (74%, n = 1042) and healthcare personnel (56%, n = 775), with only 2% (n = 32) turning to influencers or bloggers.Conclusions Pregnancy and postpartum worries are widespread among pregnant women using social media, especially among first-time mothers and those with financial insecurity. Most pregnant women prefer quality-assured websites and healthcare personnel for information. Antenatal care could benefit from offering more tailored information and follow-up, particularly for first-time mothers and financially insecure women.

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care

DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2025.2461036

Authors: Mari Hegnes Hansen, Hanna Sandbakken Mørkved, Bjarne Austad, Gunnhild Åberge Vie, Linn Okkenhaug Getz, Bente Prytz Mjølstad

Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,720