Maternal Psychological Trauma Assessed Prenatally and Offspring Outcomes.
Jin Young Shin1, Lindsey Wallace Goldman2, Kathryn M Wall1
1Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
Trauma, Violence & Abuse
|November 22, 2025
Summary
Maternal psychological trauma impacts offspring health, but research is limited. More longitudinal studies are needed to understand effects from pregnancy through adolescence for better family interventions.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Developmental psychology
- Public health
Background:
- Psychological trauma in pregnant individuals can lead to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
- The long-term effects of maternal psychological trauma on offspring development are not well understood.
- Pregnancy is a critical window for addressing maternal trauma to improve family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing research on the association between prenatal maternal psychological trauma and offspring outcomes.
- To identify research gaps regarding the types of trauma, offspring outcomes assessed, and study methodologies.
- To inform future research directions and clinical interventions.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a systematic review.
- Included 70 studies investigating maternal trauma and offspring outcomes.
- Examined trauma types, offspring outcome measures, assessment timing, and regional variations.
Main Results:
- Most studies (80%) used cross-sectional offspring outcome assessments.
- Birth and neonatal outcomes were most frequently studied (n=40).
- Interpersonal trauma and general trauma were common maternal trauma types; maternal PTSD status was underreported (31.4%).
Conclusions:
- Current research predominantly focuses on early offspring outcomes and lacks longitudinal data.
- Further research should employ longitudinal designs to track the impact of maternal trauma on offspring through childhood and adolescence.
- Improved understanding can enhance two-generation interventions and support family health.
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