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Relationship between pregnancy and violence The effect pregnancy has on the incidence of violence varies from situation to situation. For women currently experiencing violence in the relationship, pregnancy may result in a decline in the violence. Alternatively, the type of violence may change with women being subjected to less physical violence but an increase in other behaviors such as verbal abuse and attempts to control the woman’s actions. An escalation in violence, either in frequency or intensity, may also occur during pregnancy. This development can be particularly distressing if the woman believed that having a child may improve the relationship and, perhaps, even bring an end to the violence. Other women may experience pregnancy to be the trigger that initiates their partner’s abuse or violence towards them. This can be very frightening for the woman who not only has to cope with the changes a pregnancy brings, but must also deal with the realization she is a victim of domestic violence. Increases in domestic violence or the initiation of domestic violence during pregnancy may occur for a variety of reasons. Sexual jealousy, for example, can be a contributing factor. If a woman’s partner frequently accused her of infidelity previously, it is likely that he may also question the paternity of the child. Similarly, the partner may have feelings of jealously or anger towards the unborn child. After the child is born it may subsequently become the victim of physical or psychological abuse. Concern about the financial pressure a child or further children can also result in added conflict or violence in a relationship. The postnatal period can also be a time when women experience an escalation in violence. Impact on health of mother and baby Violence impacts on a pregnant women’s health and the health of her baby in a number of ways. Women who experience domestic violence are, for example, less likely to attend antenatal care or to begin attendance late in their pregnancy. Women who are in a stressful environment are also more likely to use tobacco, illicit drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, which can affect their health and the health of their unborn child. Women may experience physical violence directed towards the abdomen area. There is, therefore, a higher risk of injury to the fetus and/or miscarriage. While some evidence suggests a higher risk of having a baby of low birth weight and/or premature labor, this is still inconclusive. Women who experience violence are also more likely to suffer from postnatal depression and difficulties with breastfeeding. FACTS: * Battering may start or become worse during pregnancy * Battering may lead to miscarriages * 25-45% of all women who are battered are battered during pregnancy * Women battered during pregnancy are more likely to seek health care for injuries than women battered before pregnancy * Women battered during pregnancy are more likely to have multiple abuse injury sites * Pregnant women in battering relationships have increased risk of low birth weight infants * Men who batter pregnant women are 3 times more violence outside the home * Battering during pregnancy has been associated with subsequent homicide-women want to kill their abuser * Battering during pregnancy may be an indication of what life holds in store for the unborn child * Battering is a significant source of stress for a pregnant women. Four factors associated with abuse and low birth weight infants have been found: 1) socioeconomic status, 2) prenatal care, 3) nutrition, and 4) smoking and alcohol use
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