Poster #30 - Adverse Childhood Experiences and Postpartum Anxiety: The Role of Infant Sleep at 6 weeks

• In Event: Poster Session 07

Abstract

Background. Research has shown that mothers with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are more likely to experience mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum (Racine, et al 2021; Chronin, et al., 2010). Postpartum anxiety is associated with negative health and psychosocial outcomes for infants and mothers including decreased bonding and disruptions in development (Furtado et al., 2018; Oyetunji & Chandra 2020). There is growing evidence of a bidirectional relationship between infant sleep and maternal mental health, such that mothers with higher levels of anxiety tend to report more sleep disturbances among their infants (Rones, 2003), and in turn, poor infant sleep has been negatively associated with parental mood (Sadeh, et al., 2010). However, prospective research exploring the impact that infant sleep quality has on later maternal anxiety is limited, especially among mothers with ACEs. The current study addresses this gap by examining the associations between maternal ACEs, infant sleep problems at 6-weeks, and maternal postpartum anxiety at 16-weeks.

Methods. Participants included a sample of 39 pregnant individuals (46.2% white) recruited from community prenatal clinics. At 30-weeeks gestation, mothers completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Short-Form Questionnaire (Felitti et al., 1998). At 6-weeks postpartum, mothers answered questions about infant sleep problems (Infant Sleep Questionnaire; Morrell, J., & Cortina-Borja, M); and at 16-weeks postpartum, mothers completed a questionnaire screening for symptoms of anxiety (Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale; Somerville et al., 2014).

Results. Results of a linear regression analysis revealed that infant sleep problems at 6-weeks postpartum moderated the association between maternal ACEs and maternal postpartum anxiety at 16-weeks, controlling for level of maternal education. Follow-up simple slopes analysis showed that mothers with high ACEs and high infant sleep problems at 6-weeks postpartum reported high postpartum anxiety symptoms at 16 weeks. Mothers only reported lower levels of postpartum anxiety when they reported both low ACEs and low infant sleep problems (see Figure 1).

Discussion. Findings suggest that maternal ACEs and infant sleep problems are both salient risk factors for maternal postpartum anxiety, and provide evidence in support of infant effects on maternal functioning during the first four months postpartum. These findings have clinical implications for screening for ACEs during pregnancy to identify mothers who may be at risk for postpartum anxiety and who may benefit from additional monitoring or support. Additionally, the findings suggest that interventions addressing infant sleep difficulties may also support maternal mental health.

Authors

• Elizabeth Hinckley, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater
  Presenting Author

• Ashley N Quigley, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

• Kristin Fields, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

• Gina Erato, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

• Lucia Ciciolla, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater