Characteristics of socially high‐risk pregnant women and children's outcomes

Background The number of reports of child abuse and neglect in Japan has increased each year. A causal relationship between socially high‐risk pregnant women and child abuse is strongly suggested. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of socially high‐risk pregnant women and their children's outcomes, to help prevent child abuse. Methods In total, 2,342 births were retrospectively analyzed from medical records. We extracted the frequency, factors, and circumstances of socially high‐risk pregnant women, and the presence of social interventions for their children. Results There were 538 (23%) socially high‐risk pregnant women out of 2,342 cases investigated. Related factors (with duplication) were: economic problems (258 cases, 48%), mental disorders (139 cases, 26%), teenage pregnancies (112 cases, 21%), multiple pregnancies (90 cases, 17%), and pregnancy conflict (73 cases, 14%). Sixty‐four (12%) expectant mothers received their first health examination in late pregnancy or were not receiving pregnancy health examinations. An analysis of births showed neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization in 40% of the children born to socially high‐risk pregnant women. The hospital Child Abuse Prevention Committee intervened in 71 cases, and child consultation centers intervened in 55 cases. Twenty‐two children entered social care facilities and four children died of unknown causes. Conclusions Socially high‐risk pregnant women had various social and individual problems, and received multidisciplinary interventions for child rearing support. Antenatal assessment and multidisciplinary early intervention for socially high‐risk pregnant women are necessary to prevent child abuse.