July 2024

Solutions to perinatal loneliness

Ruth Naughton-Doe

Perinatal loneliness refers to the loneliness experienced by parents and prospective parents during pregnancy and up to two years post-birth. This includes partners and those who have children via adoption, surrogacy, and other means. Loneliness has a profound impact on physical and mental well-being. There is strong evidence to suggest that loneliness can cause perinatal mental illness or make existing problems worse. Addressing loneliness may be one promising approach to preventing or reducing perinatal mental illness.