Factors affecting loneliness in pregnant women: A scoping review

Loneliness during pregnancy is a critical yet overlooked determinant of maternal health, distinct from postpartum depression. While the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this vulnerability, the mechanisms and typologies of prenatal loneliness remain under-researched.

A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Seven databases were searched up to March 15, 2025. Influencing factors were first screened according to the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) framework, followed by thematic analysis.

Twenty-three studies were included. Alongside emotional and social loneliness, a context-specific form tied to role transition during matrescence was identified ('transitional loneliness'). The reported prevalence of loneliness varied substantially, ranging from 26.26% to 55.40%. This wide variation likely reflects methodological heterogeneity (e.g., sampling and assessment tools) and population characteristics. Determinants were categorized into individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels.

Current generic instruments fail to capture the unique transitional nature of prenatal loneliness. Addressing this issue requires developing pregnancy-specific assessment tools and implementing multi-level interventions targeting multi-level socio-ecological factors.