Abuse During Pregnancy

For most women pregnancy should be a time filled with joy and celebration. Unfortunately studies suggest that many women are physically or emotionally abused during pregnancy. Some experts suggest that as many as one in six women are physically abused during pregnancy.

Physical abuse during pregnancy can cause serious injury to mothers and their babies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently reported that as many as one quarter of all pregnant women are physically or emotionally abused at some point during their pregnancy.

Abuse is more common than any other health problem during pregnancy. To have a healthy baby you should be free of violence and fear. If you are being hurt or threatened by your partner while you are pregnant you have a higher chance of:

Injury to your fetus
Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature baby
Increased 1^st and 2^nd trimester bleeding

Protect yourself and your baby…being hurt or afraid is not your fault. Call the YWCA Domestic Violence 24-hour hotline: 615-242-1199.