Placental Imprints: When Disconnection Begins Before Birth
We often think of trauma as something that starts in childhood. But there is a form of trauma that begins before language , before memory, and sometimes even before birth itself. In somatic and transpersonal work, these early experiences are often called placental imprints . They are not physical objects, but deep energetic and nervous-system patterns that shape how we experience the world. Formed during gestation—often between the 4th and 7th week of pregnancy—these imprints are influenced by the emotional environment of the mother, leaving a subtle yet profound mark on the developing nervous system. What Are Placental Imprints? Placental imprints are early patterns of disconnection. They can emerge when the prenatal environment carries: Chronic stress Unresolved trauma Fear, grief, or rejection Lack of emotional safety These experiences can encode unconscious programs in the developing being, such as: “I must stay vigilant to survive.” “Rest is dangerous.” ...