Childhood trauma in mothers increases preterm birth risk

Mothers who experienced childhood trauma face nearly double the risk of preterm birth, with 12.6 per cent delivering early compared with 6.7 per cent of those without trauma, new research has found.

The study reviewed 823 mothers who gave birth to 1,285 children between 2011 and 2021, finding that 38 per cent had lived through two or more adverse childhood experiences.

Specific traumas such as physical abuse, emotional abuse and exposure to parental violence were most strongly linked to premature delivery.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events in childhood, including abuse, neglect and household disruption.

Children may be affected by witnessing such incidents even if not directly harmed.

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, can increase health risks for newborns.

Dr Molly Easterlin, neonatologist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and assistant professor of clinical paediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, said the results highlight the lasting consequences of childhood trauma.

“These findings provide further evidence that the effects of adverse childhood experiences may be passed from generation to generation and support action through public health and policy initiatives and clinical care to prevent and mitigate childhood trauma.”

Most of the mothers studied (62 per cent) reported zero to one adverse childhood experience, while 38 per cent had two or more.

The researchers suggest obstetrics teams should consider screening for ACEs to help guide care and identify families needing more support or closer follow-up.

The study indicates that childhood trauma may affect health outcomes long after youth, extending into reproductive years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACEs include physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, and different forms of household dysfunction.