Previous research suggests that this is due to transgenerational epigenetic programming of genes operating in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR).
Methylation status of the GR gene of adolescent children is influenced by their mother's experience of IPV during pregnancy.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the greatest trauma-related risk to women.
Pregnant women are no exception, and escalation of IPV frequently occurs during pregnancy.
Many studies have linked IPV during pregnancy to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Violence on pregnant women significantly increased risk for low birth weight infants, pre-term delivery and neonatal death and also affected breast-feeding postpartum.
Prenatal exposure to maternal stress can have lifelong implications for psychological function, such as behavioral problems and even the development of mental illness.
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