Intergenerational Transmission of Maternal Childhood Maltreatment Exposure: Implications for Fetal Brain Development

Abstract

Objective

Growing evidence suggests the deleterious consequences of exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM) may not only endure over the exposed individual’s life span, but also may be transmitted across generations. The time windows, mechanisms, and targets of such intergenerational transmission are, however, poorly understood. The prevailing paradigm posits that mother-to-child transmission of the effects of maternal CM likely occurs after her child’s birth. We seek to extend this paradigm, and we advance here a trans-disciplinary framework that integrates the concepts of biological embedding of life experiences and fetal origins of health and disease risk.

Method

We posit that the period of embryonic and fetal life represents a particularly sensitive time for intergenerational transmission; that the developing brain represents a target of particular interest; and that stress-sensitive maternal-placental-fetal biological (endocrine, immune) pathways represent leading candidate mechanisms of interest.

Results

The plausibility of our model is supported by theoretical considerations and empirical findings in humans and animals. We synthesize several research areas and identify important knowledge gaps that may warrant further study.

Conclusion

The scientific and public health relevance of this effort relates to achieving a better understanding of the “when,” “what,” and “how” of intergenerational transmission of CM, with implications for early identification of risk, prevention, and intervention.