The goal of this research to reduce the impact of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on perinatal mental and psychosocial health by providing the necessary tools for the development of healthy coping practices. The purpose of this proposal is to conduct Phase II preliminary testing of an individually randomized pilot trial (N=40) examining feasibility, acceptability, and compare initial estimates of the effects of the primary outcome of depression and secondary outcomes of psychological (e.g., stress and anxiety) and socio-emotional (e.g., mood, resilience, social support) functioning and prenatal health behaviors of those allocated to either a trauma-informed prenatal intervention (TPI) (n=15) or the control group, e.g., prenatal education arm, (n=15). Forty adult, pregnant women receiving prenatal care at one large Federally Qualified Health Center will be enrolled between 10-24 weeks gestation. TPI participants will receive four weekly (30-60 minute) individual online sessions of motivational interviewing to facilitate behavior change and mental wellness skills to promote self-regulation. Control group participants will receive four weekly (30-60 minutes) individual online sessions of prenatal education. Patient-reported outcome measures will be interview-administered at baseline, 4- and 12-weeks post-randomization, and 6-weeks postpartum. A trauma-informed approach within prenatal care services may help reduce maternal distress and its consequences, and, subsequently, lessen the risk for the negative impact of ACEs on maternal and child health. Findings from this study will inform a larger efficacy trial of TPI to improve perinatal mental health among pregnant women.
