Adverse childhood experiences, the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a profound negative impact on health. However, the strength of the association between ACEs and pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes is not well quantified or understood.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between ACEs and risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google scholar up to July 2022.

Two reviewers independently conducted the screening and quality appraisal using a validated tool. Meta-analysis using the quality-effects model on the reported odds ratio (OR) was conducted. Heterogeneity and inconsistency were examined using the I2statistics.

32 studies from 1508 met a priori inclusion criteria for systematic review, with 21 included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analyses showed that exposure to ACEs increased the risk of pregnancy complications (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.57) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.47). In sub-group analysis, maternal ACEs were associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.74), antenatal depression (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.20), low offspring birth weight (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.47), and preterm delivery (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.71).

The results suggest that exposure to ACEs increases the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preventive strategies, screening and trauma-informed care need to be examined to improve maternal and child health.