Maternal birth experience and DNA methylation

Holuka, Cyrielle; Melacca, Alessia; Menta, Giorgia; D’Ambrosio, Conchita; Morano, Sandra; Štefulj, Jasminka; Calleja-Agius, Jean; Bordoni, Laura; Gabbianelli, Rosita; Turner, Jonathan D. (2025) Maternal birth experience and DNA methylation. Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 16 . ISSN 2040-1744

PDF - Published Version - article Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (173kB)

Abstract

Childbirth influences maternal and new-born’s future health, with the Epigenetic Impact of Childbirth (EPIIC) hypothesis proposing that labour stress affects foetal gene expression. This study explores how birth experiences relate to DNA methylation in infants, breastfeeding and mother-infant bonding. Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children was used, including 14,541 pregnant women. The ARIES subset of 1,022 mother-child pairs provided DNA methylation profiles. Maternal birth experience (MBE) was evaluated, with mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding. Statistical analysis involved linear regression and epigenome-wide association study. Half of the mothers reported at least one negative childbirth event, with 7% experiencing three or more adverse events. Negative MBE correlated with shorter breastfeeding duration and weaker mother-infant bonding. No significant CpG associations with MBE were found. While positive MBE is linked to improved mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding, no significant changes in DNA methylation profiles were observed in the offspring. Further research is needed to understand MBE’s long-term impact on child health.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	maternal birth experience; DNA methylation
Subjects:	BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTHCARE
Divisions:	Division of Molecular Biology
Depositing User:	Sofija Konjević
Date Deposited:	29 Dec 2025 15:28
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/10687
DOI:	10.1017/s2040174425000133

Actions (login required)

View Item