ThisisPatientEngagementcontent

    Domestic Violence and Pregnancy

    Learn more about our Patient Engagement products now! Turn your patients into active participants in their healthcare by giving them easy access to the same evidence-based information you trust – but delivered in an easy-to-understand format.

    Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy

    Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy

    Intimate partner violence is physical, sexual, or emotional harm done by a current or former partner. Emotional harm can include threats and controlling actions. Intimate partner violence is also called domestic violence.

    Intimate partner violence is even more dangerous during pregnancy. It can harm both you and your developing baby. Getting help and support is crucial to protect you, your pregnancy, and your baby.

    Call a domestic violence hotline or let your health care team know if you're being physically or sexually abused, or if your partner's behavior is making you feel unsafe.

    How does this affect me?

    Intimate partner violence can cause:
    • Physical effects, such as:
      • Injury or death.
      • Upset stomach or belly pain.
      • Loss of appetite.
      • Getting infections often. This includes sexually transmitted infections.
      • High blood pressure.
    • Emotional effects, such as:
      • Fear.
      • Trouble sleeping.
      • Depression.
      • Feeling worried or nervous.
      • Thoughts of hurting yourself or taking your own life.

    Intimate partner violence may affect your pregnancy in these ways:
    • You're more likely to be injured or have poor health.
    • You may be less likely to get prenatal care.
    • You may not gain a healthy amount of weight or have good nutrition.
    • You may be more likely to smoke, use drugs, and drink alcohol.
    • You may be at higher risk of losing your pregnancy.
    • Your baby may be born early, or premature.

    How does this affect my baby?

    If you experience intimate partner violence during pregnancy:
    • Your baby may be born premature.
    • Your baby may be born smaller than expected.
    • Your baby may be injured.
    • Your baby may not survive the pregnancy (miscarriageorstillbirth).
    • If you use alcohol or drugs, this can cause birth defects and other problems after your baby is born.
    • You may have trouble bonding with your baby.

    Follow these instructions at home:

    A health care provider holding a folder and speaking with a person in an exam room.
    • Let your team know that you're experiencing intimate partner violence.
    • Do not bring an abusive partner with you to your prenatal visits. This will allow you to speak freely with your team.
    • Consider getting a legal document that says your partner has to stay away from you. This is called a restraining order.
    • Have a support person stay with you in your home. Have an escape plan to get to a safe place.
    • Consider getting counseling.
    • Do not smoke,use drugs, or drink alcohol to relieve stress.
    • Keep all follow-up visits. Your team will need to check on your health and the health of your baby.

    Where to find more information

    If you don't feel safe searching for help online at home, use a computer at a public library to access the internet.
    • The National Domestic Violence Hotline:
      • Text "START" to 88788
      • 24-hour hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
    • Love is respect:
      • Text "LOVEIS" to 22522
      • Call: 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
    • The National Sexual Assault Hotline:
      • 24-hour hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
      • Website: rainn.org

    Contact a health care provider if:

    • You experience any type of intimate partner violence at home.
    • You need help to quit:
      • Smoking.
      • Drinking.
      • Taking drugs.

    Get help right away if:

    • You don't feel safe at home.

    Call 911 if you're in immediate danger or need medical help.

    Also, get help right away if:
    • You feel like you may hurt yourself or others.
    • You have thoughts about taking your own life.
    • You have other thoughts or feelings that worry you.

    These symptoms may be an emergency. Take one of these steps right away:
    • Go to your nearest emergency room.
    • Call 911.
    • Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free and confidential):
      • Call 1-800-273-8255 or 988.
      • Text 741741.
    • If you're a Veteran:
      • Call 988 and press 1.
      • Text the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.

    This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

    Small Elsevier Logo

    Cookies are used by this site. To decline or learn more, visit our cookie notice.


    Copyright © 2024 Elsevier, its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

    Small Elsevier Logo
    RELX Group