New Publication: Profiles of Stressful Life Experiences in Pregnancy

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We are excited to announce a new publication from the ISSUES Lab!

Profiles of stressful life experiences in pregnancy: a latent class approach linking early childhood adversity, intimate partner coercive control, and material hardship to adverse birth outcomes

Gia Elise Barboza-Salerno & Taylor Harrington

Published August 31, 2026 in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (Open Access)

Abstract

Acute antenatal stressful life events (SLEs) during pregnancy are well-established risk factors for adverse birth outcomes. However, little is known about how distinct constellations of antenatal SLEs, shaped by early adversity, material hardship, and intimate partner coercive control, combine to influence perinatal health.

Data were drawn from 5,280 participants in the Kansas Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Using latent class analysis, five distinct stress profiles were identified:

Family Member Illness and Death (16.3%)
Multiple Overlapping Stressors (5.2%)
Financial Insecurity (11.2%)
Residential Instability and Family Conflict (8.7%)
Low Stress (58.6%)

Compared with the Low Stress class, individuals in all high-risk classes had significantly higher odds of reporting ACEs, IPV, material hardship, and cigarette use before pregnancy. The Multiple Overlapping Stressors class showed the greatest risk of low birth weight, small for gestational age, and preterm birth.

Key Takeaway

Tailoring perinatal interventions to specific SLE profiles, particularly for individuals with histories of ACEs and IPV, may reduce poor birth outcomes.

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BMC | ISSUES | The Ohio State University

New Publication: Profiles of Stressful Life Experiences in Pregnancy

Abstract

Key Takeaway