Abuse during
pregnancy
Abuse, whether emotional or physical, is never okay. Unfortunately, some women experience abuse from a partner. Abuse crosses all racial, ethnic and economic lines. Abuse often gets worse during pregnancy. Almost 1 in 6 pregnant women have been abused by a partner.
What can trigger abuse during pregnancy?
For many families, pregnancy can bring about feelings of stress, which is normal. But it's not okay for your partner to react violently to stress. Some partners become abusive during pregnancy because they feel:
What can you do?
Recognize that you are in an abusive relationship. Once you realize this, you've made the first step towards help.
Abuse, whether emotional or physical, is never okay. Unfortunately, some women experience abuse from a partner. Abuse crosses all racial, ethnic and economic lines. Abuse often gets worse during pregnancy. Almost 1 in 6 pregnant women have been abused by a partner.
What can trigger abuse during pregnancy?
For many families, pregnancy can bring about feelings of stress, which is normal. But it's not okay for your partner to react violently to stress. Some partners become abusive during pregnancy because they feel:
- Upset because this was an unplanned pregnancy
- Stressed at the thought of financially supporting a first baby or another baby
- Jealous that your attention may shift from your partner to your new baby, or to a new relationship
What can you do?
Recognize that you are in an abusive relationship. Once you realize this, you've made the first step towards help.
- There are lots of things you can do.
- Tell someone you trust. This can be a friend, a clergy
member, a health care provider or counselor.
- Once you've
confided in them, they might be able to put you in touch with a crisis hotline,
domestic violence program, legal-aid service, or a shelter or safe haven for
abused women.