Childhood adversity, prenatal depression, and maternal inflammation across pregnancy

Abstract

Background To examine whether change in neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, a marker of systemic inflammation, differs by childhood adversity and prenatal depression. Methods Prenatal complete blood count data were used to calculate neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in first and third trimesters. The Adverse Childhood Experiences scale measured childhood adversity, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 measured depression. This is a secondary analysis of a study of predictors of risk for sleep-disordered breathing. Results Participants were 98 pregnant women, mean age 30 years ( SD = 5), mean body mass index of 35 kg/m2 ( SD = 7), 61% identified as white, and 28% identified as Hispanic. Women who reported childhood sexual abuse history displayed greater increase in neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio over pregnancy relative to women without childhood sexual abuse. Change in neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio across pregnancy did not differ by prenatal depression. Conclusion Experiences of sexual abuse in childhood may impact markers of systemic inflammation in pregnancy.