Women's Social Well-Being During Pregnancy: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Recent Life Events

Abstract

Background: Adverse experiences during childhood and recent stressful life events are each associated with women's reduced well-being and poorer health during pregnancy. Few studies, however, have focused upon pregnant women's social well-being, and inclusion of both independent variables in the same analysis is rare. This study focuses upon adverse experiences during childhood as well as recent life events in relationship to four aspects of social well-being: social support, couple aggression for partnered women, neighborhood safety, and food insecurity. Materials and Methods: A diverse community sample of 176 pregnant women completed questionnaires during their third trimester. A cross-sectional design was used that included retrospective reports of childhood experiences, as well as reports of recent life events and current well-being. Results: Adverse experiences during childhood were uniquely associated with couple aggression (β = 0.206, p = 0.026) and lower neighborhood safety (β = −0.185, p = 0.021). Recent stressful life events were uniquely associated with lower social support (β = −0.247, p = 0.001) and greater food insecurity (β = 0.494, p = 0.000). For social support and food insecurity, there was a significant indirect pathway from adverse childhood experiences through recent stressful life events. Adverse child experiences and recent stressful life events did not interact. Conclusions: A life-course perspective that considers women's experiences across their life span is critical for use by both researchers and health practitioners. Adverse childhood experiences and recent stressful life events are important for understanding social features of pregnant women's daily lives.

Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training applies neural exposome perspectives to neurology principles and practice

“…Family involvement using these interventions enhances positive effects on neurodevelopment long after discharge. Knowledge of the exposome by family practice, obstetrical, and pediatric healthcare providers strengthens primary care wellness programs for mothers, families, and children that can reduce adverse experiences before and during pregnancy (139,140). These practices help lower risks of sequelae starting during the initial critical/sensitive neuroplasticity age interval before 2 years of age (8).…”

Empirically derived patterns of adverse childhood experiences and associations with prenatal social networks.

“…Past work has traditionally included one partner within a woman's total social network, which excludes the experiences of women with more than one partner or those who remain unmarried. Research does suggest that individuals with high levels of ACEs have difficulty establishing healthy romantic relationships (Toth & Manly, 2019) and report greater levels of couple aggression (Buehler et al, 2022). Taken together, children with multiple ACEs may have difficulty forming and sustaining social connections in adulthood, which indicates that family, friend, and partner relationships may be disproportionately affected by ACEs (Bucci et al, 2016).…”