Examining childhood and adulthood stressors as risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus in working pregnant individuals: A prospective cohort study

Aims

This study aimed to examine the individual and joint associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and maternal work and non-work related stressors with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Working pregnant individuals (n = 1163) from a United States (U.S.) prospective cohort conducted in South Carolina between 2016 and 2021 were included in the study. ACEs were assessed at study enrollment before 20 gestational weeks (GW), while maternal stressors were assessed in late pregnancy and GDM diagnosis occurred between 24 and 30 GW. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to assess associations of ACEs and maternal stressors with GDM.

Results

Childhood abuse, an ACE subdomain, was associated with an elevated but statistically insignificant risk of GDM (adjusted OR = 1.47; 95 % CI: 0.85–2.53). Only maternal work stressors were associated with an increased risk of GDM (adjusted OR = 2.11; 95 % CI: 1.17–3.79) and the association became much stronger among those with childhood abuse experiences (adjusted OR = 3.80; 95 % CI:1.68–8.60).

Conclusion

Among U.S. working pregnant individuals, having work stressors during pregnancy was associated with an elevated risk of developing GDM, particularly among those who had childhood experience of abuse.