Adverse Childhood Experiences Predict Diurnal Cortisol Throughout Gestation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with negative prenatal and perinatal health outcomes and may, via these pathways, have intergenerational effects on child health and development. We examine the impact of ACEs on maternal salivary cortisol, a key measure of prenatal biology previously linked with pregnancy-related health outcomes.

Methods

Leveraging assessments across three trimesters, we used linear mixed-effects models to analyze the influence of ACEs on maternal prenatal diurnal cortisol patterns in a diverse cohort of pregnant women (analytic sample, n = 207). Covariates included comorbid prenatal depression, psychiatric medications, and sociodemographic factors.

Results

Maternal ACEs were significantly associated with flatter diurnal c

SUBMITTER: Panisch LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10524578 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul-Aug 01

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature