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Maternal and Child Health Journal
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 4/2016

01-04-2016 | Original Paper

Early Childhood Adversity and Pregnancy Outcomes

Authors: Megan V. Smith, Nathan Gotman, Kimberly A. Yonkers

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 4/2016

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Abstract

Objectives To examine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and pregnancy outcomes; to explore mediators of this association including psychiatric illness and health habits. Methods Exposure to ACEs was determined by the Early Trauma Inventory Self Report Short Form; psychiatric diagnoses were generated by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview administered in a cohort of 2303 pregnant women. Linear regression and structural equation modeling bootstrapping approaches tested for multiple mediators. Results Each additional ACE decreased birth weight by 16.33 g and decreased gestational age by 0.063. Smoking was the strongest mediator of the effect on gestational age. Conclusions ACEs have an enduring effect on maternal reproductive health, as manifested by mothers’ delivery of offspring that were of reduced birth weight and shorter gestational age.
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Metadata
Title
Early Childhood Adversity and Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors
Megan V. Smith
Nathan Gotman
Kimberly A. Yonkers
Publication date
01-04-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-015-1909-5

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