Physical Abuse in Pregnancy

Screening interviews to determine the extent of physical abuse were conducted for 742 women seen in the University of Virginia obstetric clinics. Eighty-one women (10.9%) reported that they had experienced abuse at some point in the past. These women were more likely to be divorced or separated, indigent, and less educated than were the nonabused control patients. They were more likely to have had emotional problems, and 20% had attempted suicide. Twenty-nine of the 81 women reported abuse during the current pregnancy, with 21% reporting increased abuse and 36% noting decreased abuse during pregnancy. Women living with an abusive partner did not experience a greater frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes than did those who had left abusive relationships. An awareness of the extent of the problem and direct questioning will result in an increased identification of women who are at risk for physical abuse during pregnancy.