[Violence towards pregnant women]

Abstract

The current literature concerning violence against pregnant women is reviewed. The prevalence of battering during pregnancy is estimated to be between one and ten percent, and the problem is most often hidden from the medical staff. In one fourth of the cases, violence increases during pregnancy, and usually the violent episodes are a continuation of the couple's habitual way of life. An episode of battering per se is only in extreme situations dangerous for the pregnancy, but serves as a marker of negative social events, e.g. unemployment, smoking, emotional instability etc., which increases the risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome. Furthermore, the violent husband may extend the battering to the child after delivery. It is concluded, that all medical personnel dealing with pregnant women should be aware of the high prevalence of battering during pregnancy. If battering is detected, the pregnancy may be at risk, but the main problem is the social issue and the later consequences for the child. The general practitioner is central in the long-term approach to these cases.