Pregnancy Dangers: Domestic Violence During Pregnancy Are At Greater Risk Of Preterm Birth & Low Birth Weight

Domestic violence is such a horrible thing that can be done by a partner or ex-partner. It is more atrocious if done during pregnancy as two lives will be affected. In fact, a new study just revealed that domestic violence inflicted on pregnant women can result in adverse conditions on the expectant mother and more importantly, on the baby.

Science Daily reports that the cause of domestic violence during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age babies and low birth weight, according to research. The study was published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The researchers at the University of Iowa examined 50 cases of the effects of domestic violence done by a partner or ex-partner. It involved over 5 million women from 7 countries and about 15,000 of these women had experienced domestic violence.

The results showed that those who had experienced domestic violence had a greater risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. This increased risk heightens further for those who experienced more types of domestic violence during pregnancy. Hence, there is a lower risk for small-for-gestational-age.

"Domestic violence by a partner or ex-partner is of particular concern during pregnancy when not one, but two lives are at risk," said Audrey Saftlas, the study's lead author and professor of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa. "Although rates of domestic violence differ across the world, the detrimental effects of abuse on pregnant women are very clear and we must continue to establish effective intervention globally in order to prevent violence and to support women who report abuse."

WebMD states that domestic violence occurs in 1 out of 4 women. It is an abuse done by a spouse, partner or ex-partner during a personal relationship. Various types of abuse include financial and physical abuse. It is recommended that anyone who has been a victim of dometic violence must seek for help.