This research explores how early life experiences shape health and behaviour during pregnancy, with a focus on alcohol use and maternal mental health. Using data from a cohort of pregnant individuals, the study examines the relationship between maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and both prenatal alcohol use and symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
The findings highlight that individuals with higher levels of childhood adversity were more likely to report alcohol use during pregnancy and experienced greater mental health challenges. Notably, the combination of past adversity and alcohol use was associated with the highest levels of distress, pointing to the cumulative impact of these factors.
Overall, the study positions maternal childhood adversity as an important upstream influence, helping to deepen our understanding of the broader context in which prenatal alcohol use occurs.