Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
09:49

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

Published on: August 13, 2015

Pregnancy complications in women with childhood sexual abuse experiences

Brigitte Leeners1, Ruth Stiller, Emina Block

  • 1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Brigitte.Leeners@usz.ch

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|October 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) face increased pregnancy complications, including hospitalization, premature contractions, cervical insufficiency, and premature birth. Healthcare providers should tailor prenatal care for CSA survivors.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is prevalent, with known long-term health consequences.
  • Existing research on CSA's impact on pregnancy is limited.
  • CSA may influence obstetrical care and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate pregnancy complications in women with a history of CSA.
  • To identify specific obstetrical risks associated with CSA exposure.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study design comparing 85 women exposed to CSA with 170 matched unexposed women.
  • CSA identification via interview using modified Wyatt questions.
  • Pregnancy complication data collected via questionnaire and German Mutterpass booklet.
  • Statistical analysis included chi-square, Fisher's Exact Test, and logistic regression to control for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Women exposed to CSA had significantly higher rates of hospitalization during pregnancy (41.2% vs. 19.4%).
  • CSA-exposed women experienced more premature contractions (38.8% vs. 20%), cervical insufficiency (25.9% vs. 9.4%), and premature birth (18.8% vs. 8.2%).
  • Odds ratios indicated increased risk for these complications in CSA survivors.

Conclusions:

  • Women exposed to CSA face a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • Prenatal care requires adaptation to address the specific needs of CSA survivors.
  • Healthcare providers should be aware of CSA's impact on obstetrical health.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder01:27

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder01:30

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
Healing II: Complications01:24

Healing II: Complications

Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...