Intimate Partner Abuse in Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.

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What is intimate partner abuse in pregnancy?

Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, may happen during pregnancy. The abuser uses fear to control or overpower the relationship by using intimidation, threats, or physical force. There may be a pattern of an ongoing or on and off abuse. The abuser may beg for forgiveness, promise to change, or try to make up for the wrongdoing. The abuser may also act as if the violence never happened. Intimate partner abuse is not normal or acceptable.

What are the types of intimate partner abuse?

• Physical abuse includes pushing, hitting, kicking, slapping, biting, choking or pulling hair. Physical violence may also include stalking, or being held down. Your abuser may use a knife or gun on you. Physical violence may become life-threatening.
• Emotional or psychological abuse may include verbal abuse such as name-calling and insults. The abuser may also not let you do what you want to do with family or friends. You may not be allowed to spend any money.
• Sexual abuse is when your partner has sex with you when you do not want it. Sexual abuse may include forcing sex when you are tired or sick. Using objects, or inviting other people to have sex when you do not agree is also sexual abuse.

What increases my risk for intimate partner abuse in pregnancy?

• You are a young woman who is single, separated, or divorced.
• You live in a crowded place.
• Your pregnancy was not planned.
• You have delayed seeing your healthcare provider since you became pregnant.
• You have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure.
• You use drugs or alcohol during your pregnancy.

What are the signs and symptoms of intimate partner abuse in pregnancy?

• Physical signs and symptoms:
  • Bruises, cuts, scratches or burns from the abuse
  • Unexpected vaginal bleeding
  • Bladder or kidney infections
  • Sexually transmitted infections, such HIV or herpes
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased alcohol and drug use
• Emotional signs and symptoms:
  • Feelings of stress, anxiety, worry, or sadness
  • Sleeping problems
  • Thoughts of harming yourself, your fetus, or other people

How is intimate partner abuse in pregnancy diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you questions. Everything you say to your provider will be kept private. Tell your provider as much as possible, so that you can get the help that you need. Your provider must report the abuse to police. He or she may need to examine you, and may ask to take pictures of your injuries. You may also need any of the following:

• Blood and urine tests may be done to check for problems, such as an infection.
• A vaginal and pelvic exam may be done so healthcare providers can check for any injuries from the abuse. A sample of discharge may be collected from your vagina and sent to a lab for tests.
• A fetal ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of your unborn baby. Healthcare providers can learn the age of your baby, and see how fast he or she is growing. The movement, heart rate, and position of your baby can also be seen.
• X-rays may be used to see if any bones are broken or displaced.

How is intimate partner abuse in pregnancy treated?

When you are ready, help is available. Your healthcare provider may suggest any of the following:

• Counseling may be recommended. Intimate partner violence may cause you to feel scared, depressed, or anxious. A counselor can help you talk about how you are feeling.
• Medicines may be given to help decrease pain, anxiety, or depression. You may also need antibiotic medicine to prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
• Surgery may be needed to return bones to their normal position. Surgery may also be needed to correct a deformity or treat other injuries.

What can I do to protect myself and my unborn baby?

• Create a safety plan:
  • Prepare a bag with clothes, money, and important papers in case you need to leave your house quickly.
  • Hide an extra set of house and car keys.
  • Have a secret way to let your family or friends know you need urgent help.
  • Plan where you can go if you need to leave.
  • If you do not have a cell phone, ask your healthcare provider about emergency cell phones for 911 calls only.
  • When you are attacked, avoid rooms with one entrance (such as bathrooms) and stay out of the kitchen.
• Contact the police. Call the police if your or your baby's life is at risk. The police can remove your abuser. Your abuser can be kept away from you if that is what you choose.
• Think about spending one or more nights in a shelter. A women's shelter can give you a safe place to stay when you need it.
• Ask for names and phone numbers. Get a list of phone numbers for people who can help you. People at these phone numbers can answer your questions, and tell you where to go to get help.
• Ask about a domestic violence advocate. This is a trained healthcare provider who will talk to you about your choices. Contact with this healthcare provider is private. This person may also help you in an emergency to make sure that you are safe from your abuser.

Where can I find support and more information?

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  PO Box 90249
  Austin , TX 78709
  Phone: 1- 800 - 799-7233
  Web Address: www.ndvh.org
  

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You fear for your life, or the lives of your fetus or other children.
• You or your fetus have been badly hurt, such as if you are hit in the head or stomach.
• You feel like hurting yourself, your fetus, or someone else.
• You have sudden trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast heartbeat.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have pain when you urinate, or vaginal bleeding.
• You have abdominal pain.

When should I call my doctor or obstetrician?

• You have a fever.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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