Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Changes in Neonatal Brain Development and Behavior
Maternal ACEs were associated with both newborn amygdala volume and subsequent infant negative emotionality.
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Risk for Perinatal Depression
Various studies have observed an association between history of abuse and increased risk for perinatal depression. The data regarding childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in particular have been less consistent. A recent review of the literature [...]
Abuse as a Risk Factor for Perinatal Depression
Two recent reports explore the relationship between abuse and risk for perinatal depression. The first is a study which analyzed data from 53,065 pregnant women participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). [...]
Understanding the Link between Trauma History and Risk of Perinatal Depression
While we are becoming more attentive to screening for depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period, we may not always ask about a history of trauma, especially when a woman has had what most would consider an “uncomplicated” pregnancy. A recent study, however, indicates that a history of trauma may be a risk factor for depression during pregnancy.
Childhood Abuse: A Risk Factor for Bonding and Parenting Difficulties
Multiple studies have demonstrated that childhood maltreatment is associated with subsequent difficulties. Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed parenting behaviors in women with a history of childhood abuse and neglect (n?=?97) and a healthy control comparison group (n?=?53). Participants were assessed at 6 weeks, 4 months, and 6 months postpartum. At 6 months, a home visit was conducted and mothers and infants participated in a dyadic play interaction later coded for positive parenting behaviors by blinded raters.
Children of Depressed Mothers Exposed to Multiple Risk Factors for Psychopathology
Multiple studies have concluded that the children of depressed mothers are at increased risk for behavioral problems and other mental health issues. Data from 7429 mother–child pairs participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in the UK indicate that maternal depression (assessed when the children were 1.5 year old) is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses in the children at 7.5 years of age.