From the Guidelines
Emotional Stress and Transgenerational Trauma: A Complex Relationship with Miscarriage Risk There is evidence to suggest that high levels of emotional stress and transgenerational trauma may contribute to an increased risk of miscarriage.
- High levels of emotional stress, particularly anxiety and depression, may increase the risk of miscarriage, as studies have shown that women experiencing high stress levels had a higher risk of miscarriage compared to those with low stress levels 1.
- Transgenerational trauma, defined as the transmission of traumatic experiences from one generation to the next, may also contribute to an increased risk of miscarriage, with research indicating that women with a history of childhood trauma had a higher risk of miscarriage compared to those without such a history 1.
- The impact of emotional stress and transgenerational trauma on miscarriage risk may be mediated by changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to altered cortisol levels and immune responses, as suggested by studies on the effects of maternal depression on offspring health outcomes 1.
In terms of objective details, it is essential to note that the relationship between emotional stress, transgenerational trauma, and miscarriage risk is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including individual differences in stress perception and coping mechanisms.
- No specific medication or treatment is recommended for preventing miscarriages due to emotional stress and transgenerational trauma.
- However, stress management techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions, may be beneficial in reducing stress levels and promoting overall well-being 1.
- Additionally, addressing historical trauma and promoting relational health may also be important considerations in preventing childhood toxic stress and promoting resilience 1.
From the Research
Relationship Between Spontaneous Abortion and Emotional Stress
- There is evidence suggesting a link between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and an increased risk of miscarriage 2.
- A study found that women with ≥3 ACE were two times more likely to experience a single miscarriage and more than three times more likely to experience recurrent miscarriages compared to women with no ACE 2.
- However, another study found that there is no evidence that stress is a direct cause of miscarriage, but many people mistakenly attribute miscarriage to the mental state or behavior of the women 3.
Transgenerational Trauma
- The study on adverse childhood experiences (ACE) suggests that childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on reproductive health, including an increased risk of miscarriage 2.
- The concept of transgenerational trauma implies that the effects of trauma can be passed down through generations, potentially influencing reproductive health 2.
Emotional Stress and Miscarriage
- A qualitative study on experiences of late miscarriage found that women who had late miscarriages experienced a range of emotions, including dissociation, guilt, and feelings of betrayal by their body 4.
- The study highlights the need for emotional support and respectful hospital environments for women who have experienced miscarriage 4.
- However, there is limited evidence on the direct relationship between emotional stress and miscarriage, with one study finding that stress is not a direct cause of miscarriage 3.
Prevention and Treatment of Miscarriage
- A network meta-analysis found that progestogens, such as vaginal micronized progesterone and dydrogesterone, may make little or no difference to the live birth rate for women with threatened or recurrent miscarriage 5.
- However, vaginal micronized progesterone may increase the live birth rate for women with a history of one or more previous miscarriages and early pregnancy bleeding, with likely no difference in adverse events 5.