Adverse Childhood Experiences Predict Diurnal Cortisol Throughout Gestation.

ACEs experienced prior to pregnancy may have a robust and lasting influence on maternal prenatal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity throughout gestation, a key biological marker associated with perinatal and child health outcomes. The findings suggest one route of intergenerational transmission of early adverse experiences and underscore the potential value of assessing pre-pregnancy adverse experiences for promoting perinatal and maternal and child health.