Adverse childhood experiences and reproductive strategies in a contemporary U.S. population

Bibliographic Data

ID8315955
AuthorsElizabeth A Holdsworth (0000-0001-6095-2378, Department of Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences University at Albany, SUNY Albany New York, corresponding author), Allison A Appleton (0000-0002-0430-2554, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health University at Albany, SUNY Albany New York)
Year2020
Volume171
Issue1
Pages37-49
Publication date2020-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-9483 • E-ISSN: 1096-8644
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajpa.23967
PMID31710705
OpenAlexW2985139013
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited68

OBJECTIVES: Stressful experiences may initiate developmentally plastic responses toward a faster reproductive strategy. This study tests whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with characteristics of faster reproductive strategies: earlier menarche and reduced prenatal investment in offspring in a well-nourished, low-immune system burden population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the first 214 enrollees of the prenatal-birth Albany Infant and Mother Study. Mother's menarcheal age, offspring gestational age at birth, and cephalization index (head circumference/weight, cm/g) were derived from medical records. Linear regression models tested the contribution of self-reported ACEs from 0 to 18 years of age to menarcheal age and the contribution of menarcheal age to offspring gestational age and cephalization index. Birth outcome models included covariates self-reported maternal race, education, prenatal smoking, prenatal diet, newborn sex, parity, delivery method, and labor induction derived from medical records. RESULTS: More ACEs were associated with earlier age at menarche, controlling for covariates (β = -.18, SE = 0.048, p < .001), though timing of ACEs relative to menarche is unknown. Earlier menarcheal age was associated with offspring higher cephalization index (β = -.01, SE = 0.006, p < .05). Stratified models showed a significant relationship in high (≥2) ACEs group (β = -.02, SE = 0.009, p < .05), not present among low ACEs. Menarcheal age predicted gestational age only among those with high ACEs (β = .22, SE = 0.091, p < .05). DISCUSSION: In a well-nourished population, early life stress can result in faster reproductive strategies, initiating sexual maturation earlier, and reducing prenatal investment in individual offspring. Early age at menarche following childhood stress has a stronger relationship with adverse birth outcomes than early menarche without exposure to adverse childhood stress

Biology · Birth weight · Body mass index · Gestational age · Menarche · Obstetrics · Offspring · Population · Pregnancy · Prenatal care · Demography · Endocrinology · Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones · Medicine · Reproductive System and Pregnancy · Stress Responses and Cortisol

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