Trajectories of reproductive events from menarche to menopause: identifying patterns and differences by childhood maltreatment and socioeconomic position

To identify unique trajectories of reproductive events across the life course and determine if childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) or childhood maltreatment, independently or jointly, are associated with trajectory membership. We used data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (n = 2787). We fit group-based trajectory models for self-reported reproductive events (complicated/uncomplicated pregnancies, irregular menses, contraceptive use) to assign individuals to a reproductive events trajectory. We determined associations with self-reported childhood maltreatment and childhood SEP and their interactions using Poisson regression with robust standard errors controlling for baseline age and self-reported race (Black or White). We identified 3 trajectories (n1 = 1039; n2 = 778; n3 = 970). Group 3 had the youngest age at first pregnancy (mean 20.3 years vs. 28.3 and 31.7 for groups 2 and 1, respectively), highest parity, and lowest risk of complications. Individuals reporting childhood maltreatment and low SEP had 1.48 times the risk of belonging to group 3 versus group 2 (1.48 (1.28, 1.71) compared to those reporting neither. Childhood maltreatment and low childhood SEP were both associated with belonging to an earlier childbearing group.