Childhood Maltreatment and Perinatal Complications: A Scoping Review of Official Health Data

Abstract

Child maltreatment (CM) poses significant risks to victims, resulting in enduring physical, psychological, and developmental consequences. Adult survivors of CM seem especially vulnerable to perinatal complications. However, existing research on perinatal outcomes presents mixed results and relies heavily on self-reported data, which may not align with official medical data. Hence, a systematic review using official health data may provide clarity on this association; it may orient future research and the provision of perinatal services. This scoping review aimed to synthesize and evaluate the quality of the literature that utilizes official health data to explore associations between CM and perinatal complications. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s model, searches across four databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations/Thesis) produced 8,870 articles. After screening, 23 articles met the inclusion criteria (e.g., recorded perinatal complications using official health data, and peer-reviewed studies or dissertation). Evidence indicates CM survivors have less prenatal care visits, more fetal loss and preterm births, lower gestational age, and increases in emergency cesarean sections. Adults had more cervical insufficiency, lower episiotomies and sphincter ruptures, and overall pregnancy and postpartum complications while adolescents had lower Apgar scores. No associations were observed on other outcomes (e.g., vaginal bleeding, group B streptococcus, and fetal distress). Mixed findings emerged for other perinatal and maternal health concerns such as birth weight and blood pressure. CM survivors may face an increased risk of experiencing perinatal complications. Findings point to the relevance of leveraging health data for CM research and adopting trauma-informed practices in perinatal services.