How Intimate Partner Violence Can Affect Pregnant Women – and Their Babies
October 25, 2024
For many women, pregnancy can be an exciting time as they get ready for the birth of their baby. Unfortunately, some women have high levels of stress and worry during pregnancy as a result of intimate partner violence.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6% of women who have recently given birth experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence during pregnancy by a current intimate partner. In some cases, the partner may feel jealous about how much attention the baby is getting. They may be stressed about finances or angry that the mother’s body is changing. However, none of those reasons justify the violence.
Women who are abused while pregnant may be at higher risk for substance use, depression, and other mental health issues. Severe cases can even result in loss of life – recent studies have found that homicide is a leading cause of death among pregnant women in the United States.
Violence can also cause injury to the baby, which could result in:
- preterm birth.
- low birth weight.
- problems during labor.
What To Do If You Need Help
If you’re experiencing violence, it’s important to get help as soon as possible – for you and your baby. If you're in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 right away. You can also:
- Call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Representatives can help you make a plan to stay safe. All calls are free and confidential.
- Talk to your doctor. Pregnant women have regular prenatal appointments to check on their baby’s progress. Look for a chance to tell your doctor or nurse about the violence. If your partner goes to the appointments with you, try to find a way to talk with your provider one-on-one.
- Create a Safety Plan. Identify safe places you can go, gather important documents (like your ID, medical records, and any evidence of violence), and pack an emergency bag with essentials.
- Look for Local Resources. Many communities have shelters, support groups, and organizations that assist pregnant individuals facing intimate partner violence. Check out FindHelp as a starting point.
- Plan for the Future: Consider what steps you want to take after your baby arrives. Having a plan can help you feel more in control of your situation.
