Differential Pathways to Preterm Delivery for Sexually Abused and Comparison Women

Overview

Journal J Pediatr Psychol

Publisher Oxford University Press

Date 2007 Jun 16

PMID 17569710

Citations 37

Authors

Jennie G Noll

Jay Schulkin

Penelope K Trickett

Elizabeth J Susman

Lesley Breech

Frank W Putnam

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: Two distinct conditions, Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis disruptions and maternal alcohol use, have been linked to preterm delivery. These conditions have also been cited as potential sequelae of childhood abuse. Studies have linked childhood abuse to increased rates of preterm delivery but mechanisms explaining this association are unclear.

Methods: This prospective study compared preterm birth rates across offspring born to mothers who were sexually abused in childhood (OA; N = 67) and offspring born to nonabused comparison mothers (OC; N = 56).

Results: Preterm delivery rates were higher for the OA group (Odds = 2.80 +/- 1.44, p < .05). Maternal prenatal alcohol use mediated this relationship, but HPA axis functioning did not. Heightened maternal cortisol was significantly related to preterm status, but only for the OC group.

Conclusions: Results support the hypothesis that childhood abuse is a risk-factor for preterm delivery, however pathways are likely different for women with and without histories of sexual abuse.

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Parental Preconception Adversity and Offspring Health in African Americans: A Systematic Review of Intergenerational Studies.

Sweeting J, Akinyemi A, Holman E Trauma Violence Abuse. 2022; 24(3):1677-1692.

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