Google search behaviour relating to perinatal mental wellbeing during the United Kingdom’s first COVID-19 lockdown period: a warning for future restrictions

Abstract

Infodemiological studies derive public health information from internet activity. Here we compare Google searches of perinatal mental health-related terms during the U.K.’s first COVID-19 lockdown with the corresponding period in 2019. We report evidence of reduced pathologising/recognition of perinatal mental illness; increased perceived maternal inadequacy and estrangement from newborn baby; increased maternal domestic abuse; and increased domestic and substance abuse generally. These insights offer important population-level considerations ahead of further U.K. restrictions, and should be imminently confirmed with epidemiological work.