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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Prenatal Pandemic-Related Traumatic Stress
Mandisa Keswa1, Nina Oberman2, Joanna Stark3
1Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA.
Women'S Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Maternal exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is linked to higher prenatal pandemic-related traumatic stress (PTS). Trauma-informed prenatal care is crucial, especially during public health crises.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Trauma studies
- Public health
Background:
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have lasting impacts on stress regulation and health.
- Pregnancy involves heightened vulnerability, potentially increasing susceptibility to trauma during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between maternal ACE exposure and prenatal pandemic-related traumatic stress (PTS).
- To evaluate PTS symptom count and domains in relation to ACEs.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of baseline data from 424 pregnant individuals (August 2020-April 2021).
- ACEs assessed via the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (≥3 vs. <3 exposures; by type).
- PTS evaluated using the 9-item PTS Scale; regression models used to estimate associations, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Participants with ≥3 ACEs reported significantly higher PTS symptom counts and scores.
- Higher ACE exposure correlated with increased intrusion and dissociation symptoms.
- Specific ACE domains (abuse, neglect, household dysfunction) were independently linked to higher total PTS, intrusion, and arousal symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Increased ACE exposure is associated with greater prenatal traumatic stress.
- Distinct risk patterns exist across different ACE domains.
- Trauma-informed, ACE-aware prenatal care models are essential, particularly during public health emergencies.
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