Social Media Use During Pregnancy: Risks and Benefits for Women's Health.

Social media use during pregnancy is increasingly common, with millions of women sharing and seeking information on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, Twitter (X), and many others. These online forums can provide valuable benefits by offering social support, health education, and peer-to-peer advice. However, social media also carries risks: exposure to misinformation, unrealistic ideals, and negative social comparisons can increase anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and health confusion. This review examines evidence from recent peer-reviewed studies (2019-2025) on the risks and benefits of social media use for pregnant women's health. Using a comprehensive literature search, we identified relevant studies from the US, UK, Europe, and Asia. Key findings are that most pregnant women use social media for quick pregnancy information and emotional support, but the quality of information is uneven. Professional moderation and evidence-based content can enhance benefits, while unmoderated or highly visual content often leads to stress or misleading beliefs. Social media has the potential to positively supplement prenatal care if used carefully and with guidance, but women and healthcare providers should be aware of its pitfalls. Further research is needed on effective interventions to maximize benefits and minimize harms.