Domestic Abuse & Pregnancy
In addition to the overall negative health effects of domestic violence, abuse during pregnancy is especially harmful. The Center for Disease Control defines domestic violence during pregnancy as "physical, sexual, or psychological/emotional violence, or threats of physical or sexual violence that are inflicted on a pregnant woman." At least four to eight percent of pregnant women, more than 300,000 per year, report experiencing abuse during pregnancy.
Baby as well as mother are harmed by domestic abuse. Pregnancy can increase a woman's risk of domestic violence; one in six abused women the abusive behavior began during pregnancy. Blows to the abdomen, breasts and genitals are usually the focus of an abuser's attacks. These can cause injuries severe enough to initiate spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), among other injuries sustained by the mother or fetus.
Throughout the pregnancy, an abuser may prevent a woman from seeking medical care, or attending pre-natal or post-natal classes. An abuser may also attempt to control the woman during labor and delivery, intimidating a woman's ability to choose an epidural, pain medication, or other supportive options. Finally, abuse may intensify after delivery, as the abuser may feel threatened, irritated, undermined or displaced by the presence of the baby.
©2012 North Memorial Health Care
