Childhood abuse and neglect linked to later life inflammation, premature birth
Pregnant women with a history of child abuse or neglect experienced increased inflammation when exposed to mild stress compared with women without those experiences, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. Increased inflammation, in turn, was associated with a greater number of complications during pregnancy and birth, including premature birth, according to the research team.
A recent study led by Penn State researchers has found a link between childhood abuse or neglect and increased inflammation during pregnancy, which in turn is associated with complications such as premature birth and cesarean delivery. The research, published in Developmental Psychobiology, involved 158 pregnant women who provided saliva samples during a laboratory visit where they experienced mild stress.
Women with a history of childhood maltreatment, particularly physical neglect or sexual abuse, showed a higher peak inflammatory response to stress and a slower recovery compared to those without such experiences. This inflammatory response during pregnancy was linked to more complications during pregnancy and birth, including preterm birth and cesarean delivery.
The study's lead author, Heidemarie Laurent, emphasizes the importance of addressing inflammation during pregnancy to potentially reduce preterm births and improve overall health outcomes for both mothers and children.
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