Longitudinal effects of pregnancy on PTSD symptoms in black female participants: Moderation by sexual trauma and progesterone.

ABSTRACT: Black pregnant females experience disproportionately higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated health complications, which may be exacerbated by exposure to sexual trauma. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, including progesterone, may also play a key role in modulating PTSD symptoms. The current study assessed how PTSD symptoms change over pregnancy and how sexual trauma and progesterone independently impact the trajectory of PTSD symptoms in a sample of under-resourced pregnant Black females. Participants (N = 283) completed up to three interviews assessing PTSD symptoms over pregnancy; the enrollment interview assessed pre-pregnancy trauma history. Progesterone concentrations were measured in a subset of participants (N = 91). Results from linear mixed mod

SUBMITTER: Rocha M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12527112 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature