Racial Differences in the Risk of Prenatal Depression Among Women Experiencing Childhood and Adult Stressors

Introduction Stress exposure during a woman’s own childhood and adulthood likely elevate risk of prenatal depression (PND). However, most PND screening tools fail to assess for events prior to conception. This study examined the differential effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and adult life stressors on PND. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 racially diverse pregnant women, ages 18 to 43, recruited from clinics and ongoing university-based studies between 2012 and 2018. The ACE Scale assessed maternal childhood trauma exposure. Validated scales examining subjective stressors assessed for chronic adult stressors. PND was assessed with the Edinburgh Depression Scale, with the Rini Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale as a covariate. Associations were measured using multivariable linear regression modeling. Results were stratified by self-identified Black or white race. Results Among 199 participants, mean age was 26.8 years and 67.8% were Black. Controlling for age, race, education, and prenatal anxiety, all participants reporting both childhood trauma and adult stressors were at increased risk for PND ( p