An Integrative Review of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Reproductive Traumas of Infertility and Pregnancy Loss

Abstract

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can lead to chronic diseases and mental health conditions; however, less is known about the associations of ACEs to the reproductive traumas of infertility and pregnancy loss. The purpose of this integrative review was to explore relationships between ACEs and the reproductive traumas of infertility and pregnancy loss. Methods: We searched PubMed, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases in December 2021 and 2022. Inclusion criteria were qualitative or quantitative research, systematic or integrative reviews, or meta-analysis articles in English that were peer-reviewed and full-text, addressing any ACE from the ACE Checklist and infertility or pregnancy loss. A total of 20 articles were included in the review. We used Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review framework, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for reporting, and Covidence software for data management. A quality appraisal using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools was performed. Relevant data were extracted into a matrix for iterative comparison. Results: Twenty studies were included in the review. Results support there may be an association between pregnancy loss and infertility in women with a history of ACE, although results are mixed between infertility and ACEs. We also identified other concepts related to ACEs and the reproductive traumas of infertility and pregnancy loss and include racial and ethnically diverse populations, social determinants of health, modifiable risk factors, and stress appraisals. Discussion: Midwives and other women's health care providers should be aware that ACEs may be associated with pregnancy loss and infertility, although additional research is needed to further explore the relationships with infertility, mental health, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation from allostatic load. Trauma-informed care and the development of effective interventions are warranted for women who experience ACEs. Providers should consider earlier interventions, including emotional services, for women with a history of ACE or reproductive trauma.