ABSTRACT
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including child abuse and early life household dysfunction, predispose to a particular type of stress called toxic stress, which, if not recognized and buffered, may lead to long-term impacts on women’s health and the health of future generations. This chapter defines ACEs and discusses the scientific underpinnings and associations they have with women’s health, pre- and perinatal care, and in Lifestyle Medicine practice. The practice of trauma-informed care, considerations in screening for ACEs, and understanding of interventions and resiliency building are discussed.
