Childhood sexual abuse and preterm labor in adulthood: An endocrinologicalhypothesis

Anecdotal reports link adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery , to women with histories of childhood sexual abuse. Although little resear ch has been conducted on this subject, we provide an overview of known heal th effects of violence against women and posit a biological explanation for adverse pregnancy outcomes among this population. Specifically, we hypothe size that early traumatic experiences of childhood sexual abuse may activat e corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) gene expression in the brain, and a vulnerability to elevated CRH gene expression in the placenta. Those traum atized by early abuse may be more susceptible to stress vis a vis CRH dysre gulation during a major psychosocial stressor, such as pregnancy. Elevated CRH has been associated with preterm labor.