Ask your provider — not social media

Seeking online advice during pregnancy can increase anxiety

Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can also feel overwhelming. Every day brings new sensations, emotions and questions — and in the age of Google and social media, answers are only seconds away. As tempting as it is to scroll through advice from other moms or online forums, not all advice is safe, accurate or meant for your body and your pregnancy.

The problem with online advice

When you type your question into a search bar — “Is it normal to feel cramping at 20 weeks?” or “Should I avoid eating fish?” — the internet gives you thousands of answers. But few are based on medical evidence, and most lack the context your health care provider considers, such as your medical history, lab results or specific pregnancy risks.

Social media advice often comes from personal experiences that may not apply to you. Even well-intentioned mom groups can spread misinformation that’s outdated or unsafe. In one study, nearly half of online pregnancy information was inaccurate or misleading.

Here’s how misinformation fuels anxiety: You notice a symptom and search online. A few clicks later, you’re reading a story about a tragic or rare outcome. Suddenly, your heart races as you imagine the worst. This cycle — sometimes called “cyberchondria” — is when too much information triggers more anxiety instead of reassurance.

Studies show that excessive use of social media during pregnancy is linked to higher stress and worry. Pregnancy chat groups are filled with powerful stories — but when shared without context, they can unintentionally create fear. Reading about a birth complication or rare diagnosis may make you believe you and your baby are at the same risk, even if your situation is completely different.

These fears can snowball, creating anxiety that overshadows your ability to enjoy your pregnancy. Constant stress isn’t just emotionally exhausting — research suggests that chronic anxiety in pregnancy can affect sleep, bonding and even overall wellbeing.

Turn to your trusted provider

Your provider — whether a midwife, nurse practitioner or physician — is the one person who can see the full picture. They know your health history, your lab results, your risk factors and your baby’s unique needs.

When you ask your provider instead of turning to the internet, you’re getting evidence-based, individualized and compassionate care. You’re also protecting your peace of mind — knowing that your answers come from someone who understands both medicine and you.

References

• Hildingsson, I., et al. (2018). Pregnant women’s use of the Internet for information and feelings of worry and anxiety.

• Lagan, B. M., Sinclair, M., & Kernohan, W. G. (2011). Internet use in pregnancy informs women’s decision-making: A web-based survey.

• Narasimhulu, D. M., Karakash, S., Weedon, J., & Minkoff, H. (2016). Patterns of Internet use by pregnant women, and reliability of pregnancy-related searches.

• Schoenaker, D. A., et al. (2023). Digital information-seeking behavior and mental health during pregnancy: A systematic review.

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Crystal Massey, MSN, CNM

oregonbirthandwellness.org | 541-515-6556 | 890 Beltline Road in Springfield

Oregon Birth and Wellness Center would like to take a moment to thank all of our wonderful families that have chosen to trust our care and birth with us. We appreciate the support from our community and look forward to serving more families in the coming new year.