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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 4

Category: Epidemiology

Poster Session 4

(1248) Early-life parenting patterns: understudied, potentially modifiable risk factors for adverse obstetric outcomes

Thursday, February 12, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM  
Foundation Awardee
Objective:

Early adverse childhood experiences are associated with long-term health and OB outcomes, but the impact of recalled parental bonding is poorly understood. We quantified the impact of parenting patterns on adverse OB outcomes.


Study Design:

Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort enriched for spontaneous PTB risk. Multiparous patients with singleton gestations enrolled < 22 weeks, reported whether they had maternal/paternal parental figures < age 17, and completed maternal ± paternal Parental Bonding Instruments (PBI) as applicable. PBI scores quantified patient-recalled care and protection parenting styles.  Parental exposures = absent parental figure, high care, high overprotection, and “optimal parenting” (high care/low overprotection). The primary outcome was the Cumulative Obstetric Risk Index (CORI), designed to reflect the frequency and severity of OB outcomes by considering the % of pregnancies delivered preterm, the earliest pregnancy delivery GA, and number of pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and SGA. CORI scores range 0–12; higher scores reflect worse obstetric histories. Associations between parenting patterns and CORI scores (and its components) were assessed using linear regression.


Results:

Of 436 participants, 22% reported an absent parent; 337 completed both PBIs. Mean CORI score was 4.9. Those with care and protection scores corresponding to “optimal parenting” from both maternal and paternal figures had lower CORI scores and fewer adverse OB outcomes (Table). Paternal overprotection and absence were linked to higher CORI scores, earlier deliveries, and increased SGA risk. In adjusted models, paternal overprotection remained significantly associated with higher CORI scores (β=0.82, 95% CI 0.13–1.51, p=0.015).


Conclusion:

Recalled parenting patterns, particularly paternal overprotection, are novel and under-recognized contributors to OB risk, underscoring the long-term impact of early-life psychosocial exposures. Promoting positive parenting through targeted support and education may alter these potentially modifiable patterns and improve OB outcomes.