Abstract

Preterm Birth (PTB) and neonatal stress exposure have been linked to various long-term health complications. However, their potential associations with chronic pain in adulthood remain underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the relationships between PTB, neonatal stress exposure, and the development of chronic pain later in life. Data from a cohort of individuals born preterm and full-term were analysed, assessing factors such as earlylife stress, the onset of chronic pain, and its persistence into adulthood. Results suggest that preterm birth and neonatal stress exposure significantly increase the likelihood of chronic pain, with implications for early interventions to prevent long-term pain-related outcomes.