Fetal Trauma Resulting From Domestic Violence
When a pregnant woman is battered in the abdominal area by her partner, several adverse outcomes may result:

• Placenta abruptio resulting in either fetal death, premature labor, spontaneous abortion, live low birth weight baby, still birth, fetal fractures, rupture of mother’s uterus, liver or spleen hemorrhage, uterine contractions, premature membrane ruptures, or infection.
• Increased physical or psychological stress.
• Denial of prenatal care or ancillary social services.
• Use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco in reaction to abuse.
• Exacerbation of mother’s existing health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, seizure disorders, etc.