Abuse of Pregnant Women & Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Unfortunately, physical abuse of pregnant women by their partners is not rare. Research studies conducted in obstetrical clinical settings indicate that up to 23% of pregnant women report being physically assaulted during their pregnancies. Such abuse is correlated with a number of factors related to poor pregnancy outcomes:

• Pregnant women who are physically abused are more likely to deliver a low birth weight baby.
• Pregnant women who are physically abused are more likely to require hospitalization during pregnancy.
• Pregnant women who are physically abused may be less likely to receive prenatal care or will delay seeking prenatal care.
• After delivery, physically abused women are more likely to report being depressed than are non-abused women.