Domestic Violence and Pregnancy
Intimate partner violence is any type of physical, sexual, or emotional harm done by a current or former partner. Emotional abuse includes threatening and controlling behavior. Intimate partner violence is also called domestic violence.
Intimate partner violence is especially dangerous during pregnancy because the abuse may affect you and your developing baby. Call a domestic violence hotline or let your health care provider know if you are being physically or sexually abused, or if your partner's threatening or controlling behavior is making you feel unsafe. Getting help and support protects you, your pregnancy, and your baby.
How does this affect me?
Intimate partner violence can cause:
- Physical effects, such as:
- Emotional effects, such as:
Intimate partner violence may affect your pregnancy in these ways:
You are 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 to relieve stress.
You may be at higher risk of losing your pregnancy (miscarriage or stillbirth).
Your baby may be born before 37 weeks of pregnancy (premature).
How does this affect my baby?
If you experience intimate partner violence during pregnancy:
Your baby may be injured.
Your baby may not survive the pregnancy (miscarriage or stillbirth).
Your baby may be born premature, which can cause mental and physical problems.
Your baby may not grow well in your womb and may be born small (small for gestational age).
If you use alcohol, your baby may be born with fetal alcohol syndrome. This can cause birth defects and other problems.
You may have trouble bonding with your baby. This can lead to neglect.
You may be less likely to breastfeed. This is the healthiest way to feed your baby.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Let your health care provider know that you are experiencing intimate partner violence.
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Do not bring an abusive partner with you to your prenatal visits. This will allow you to speak freely with your health care provider.
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Learn about and use resources on intimate partner violence, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
thehotline.org
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Consider getting counseling.
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Consider getting a legal document that says your partner has to stay away from you (restraining order).
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Have a support person stay with you in your home. Have an escape plan to get to a safe place.
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Do not smoke,use drugs, or drink alcohol to relieve stress.
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Keep all your prenatal visits as told. This is important.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline:
- Love is respect:
If you do not feel safe searching for help online at home, use a computer at a public library to access the internet. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or need medical help.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You experience any type of intimate partner violence at home.
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You need help to quit smoking, drinking, or taking drugs.
If you ever feel like you may hurt yourself or others, or have thoughts about taking your own life, get help right away. Go to your nearest emergency department or:
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Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
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Call a suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 988 in the U.S. This is open 24 hours a day in the U.S.
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Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 (in the U.S.).
Summary
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Intimate partner violence is also called domestic violence. This kind of violence can be physical, sexual, or emotional.
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Intimate partner violence is especially dangerous during pregnancy. It can increase your baby's risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.
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Tell your health care provider if you experience any type of intimate partner violence. Get help right away if you do not feel safe at home.
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.
