Loneliness may lead to depression among pregnant women, new mothers: Study

According to a recent study conducted by UCL experts, loneliness frequently causes depression in expecting and new moms.

Researchers revealed those who interact with expectant mothers, such as in antenatal classes or consultations, should be aware of the significance of loneliness and the need of promoting new moms' creation and maintenance of healthy social relationships. According to the research, more family and medical support may be beneficial in easing the negative effects of loneliness on mental health.

Published in BMC Psychiatry, the meta-synthesis (an evidence review using a systematic method) of qualitative research pulled together accounts from 537 women, from 27 research papers on four continents.

Lead author Dr Katherine Adlington (UCL Psychiatry and East London NHS Foundation Trust) said: "We found that loneliness was central to the experiences of expectant and new mothers with depression. We know that depression and loneliness are often interconnected - each one can lead to the other - and this may be particularly true for perinatal depression.

"Having a baby is a period of huge transition and upheaval, that can involve losing touch with people and existing networks, such as work colleagues. This research suggests that loneliness is a major risk for mental health problems during pregnancy and for new mothers."

Depression is common during the perinatal period, affecting one in six pregnant women and one in five women during the first three months after birth, and can significantly affect new parents' quality of life and can have long-term adverse impacts on their child's cognitive and emotional development.

Contributing factor

For this review of evidence, the authors found that while very little research has been conducted specifically investigating loneliness in perinatal depression, loneliness came through prominently across the studies as a key contributing factor.

Some of the causes of loneliness included stigma, self-isolation, emotional disconnection and not receiving enough support. Many women reported a fear of judgement as a 'bad mother', and both perceived and experienced mental health stigma, which contributed to them hiding symptoms of mental ill-health and often led to self-isolation and withdrawal.

Many women also reported a sudden sense of emotional disconnection after birth, from their previous lives before getting pregnant, from other mothers, and from the baby. Others also reported a mismatch between expected and actual support provided by their partner, their family, and their community more broadly. The researchers also identified a double burden faced by mothers from disadvantaged communities, due to increased stigma and decreased social support, highlighting the need for more targeted support that is culturally appropriate and without language barriers.

The review also shed light on potential solutions. Many women reported that validation and understanding from healthcare professionals was helpful and may alleviate their loneliness, suggesting that clinical staff may have a greater than expected impact on reducing loneliness.

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