Violence during pregnancy: a population based study in Ometepec, Guerrero, Mexico

The occurrence of physical abuse during pregnancy, identifying associated factors and outcomes for women's health was estimated. A cross-sectional community-based study in Ometepec in the Mexican state of Guerrero identified women who reported at least one pregnancy in the three years prior to the survey. These completed a questionnaire administered by a female nurse. Out of 2389 women in Ometepec, 709 were eligible to complete the questionnaire. Among those interviewed without being present their partners/ husbands, 21% reported a history of physical abuse and 5.6% reported physical abuse during the last pregnancy. There was a strong association between physical abuse in pregnancy and the report of vaginal bleeding. This suggests that physical abuse might be linked to miscarriage (p = 0.06). We found little recognition of physical abuse as cause of obstetrical problems. There was also an association between physical violence during pregnancy and the admission of violent reactions against children, based on a hypothetical scenario of disobedience. This study identified important associations between obstetrical problems and physical violence.