New research in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology dives deep into how and why tough experiences in early childhood may impact a woman’s ability to get pregnant.
Researchers examined data from 774 women of reproductive age, including 195 pregnant women, and analyzed adverse childhood experiences in connection with menstrual cycle irregularities and fertility difficulties.
The study concluded that women that had negative childhood experiences such as “neglect, abuse, household dysfunction or parental substance abuse” were actually more likely to suffer fertility difficulties and even abnormal absences in menstruation lasting three months or more. It also took those women longer to get pregnant. This groundbreaking research also suggests that certain harmful events in early childhood may have greater effects on fertility than others.
