Relationship between maternal adverse childhood experiences and infant development: A systematic review (protocol)

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research has evolved over 20 years.
• Childhood trauma can have intergenerational effects.
• Intrauterine exposure to maternal ACEs may alter fetal development via placental-fetal physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evidence on the association between maternal ACEs and child development.
• To determine if intergenerational transmission of trauma effects begins during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following MOOSE and PRISMA-E guidelines.
• Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Lilacs, SciELO).
• Data extraction, synthesis, risk of bias, and quality assessment of included studies.

Main Results:

• This section is to be filled after the review is conducted and data is synthesized.
• The review will summarize findings on the relationship between maternal ACEs and child development outcomes.
• Evidence regarding altered brain architecture, placental corticotrophin hormone (pCRH) levels, and emotional/behavioral changes will be synthesized.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review will consolidate 20 years of research.
• It aims to provide a clear understanding of the evidence linking maternal ACEs to child development.
• Findings will inform future research and interventions for families affected by childhood trauma.