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?

• 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.

• 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?

• 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:

• 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

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline:
  • Text "START" to 88788
  • 24-hour hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Website: thehotline.org
• Love is respect:
  • Text "LOVEIS" to 22522
  • Call: 866-331-9474 or 800-787-3224 (TTY)
  • Website: loveisrespect.org
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.