The association between early life adversity and bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine associations between chronic preconception psychosocial and socioeconomic stress with bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, childhood abuse and neglect, chronic discrimination, childhood socioeconomic status, potential confounders, and BV were assessed at 14-16 and 19-22 weeks' gestation in a cohort of 312 pregnant women. RESULTS: Persistent BV (BV positive at both time points vs no BV at either time point) was associated with childhood sexual abuse (CSA), chronic discrimination, and lack of parental home ownership. These associations were still present after covarying for current perceived stress, socioeconomic status, and other potential confounders. CONCLUSION: There is evidence that BV during pregnancy is independently linked with early life psychosocial adversity, suggesting that a life-course perspective may be important in elucidating determinants of perinatal outcomes.