How do women with a history of childhood sexual abuse experience the preconception and perinatal period? A qualitative systematic review.

MidwiferyJul 14, 2026 (epub)

Claudia Ramírez-Gil, Anna Selva, Marta Gallego Barrero et al.

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In 30 seconds

This systematic review examined the experiences of women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) during the preconception and perinatal period. Analyzing 21 qualitative studies, the review identified six themes highlighting the ambivalence these women face, from revictimization to identity reconstruction, emphasizing the role of perinatal care as a potential healing mechanism.

Key findings

  • Women transitioning to motherhood after CSA experience ambivalence, including feelings of revictimization.
  • Perinatal care can serve as a healing vehicle for women with a history of CSA.
  • The review identified six key themes related to the experiences of these women.
  • Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting women during the perinatal period.

Why it matters

Understanding the unique challenges faced by women with a history of CSA during the perinatal period is crucial for providing sensitive and effective care. This knowledge can help prevent the intergenerational transmission of trauma and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Source

Published in Midwifery. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

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AI-generated summaries may contain errors or omissions. Verify clinically important information with the original publication.

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