Domestic Violence and Pregnancy: What You Should Know

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate based on age, gender, or socio-economic class. This means that it can happen at any time, even during pregnancy. If you have been searching for information about “domestic violence pregnancy,” then you may be facing this situation. If you are, the first thing to know is that you are not alone. There are resources that can help you and guide you toward a healthier and happier life.

Domestic violence in pregnancy is more common than many people know. An estimated 324,000 pregnant people in the United States are victims of domestic abuse each year. It takes courage and strength to prioritize your health and well-being when faced with such a stressful circumstance. If you think you may be facing a domestic violence pregnancy, contact a professional for help.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has resources that you can use for seeking help.

If you would like to learn more about domestic violence in pregnancy, continue reading. In this short guide, we will explain what domestic violence in pregnancy is, how it can impact you and your child’s health, and how you can get the support you deserve.

What is Domestic Violence?

The first thing to understand about domestic violence – also known as intimate partner violence – is that it is not always physical. The term “violence” often evokes physical abuse, but it can often take other forms. Domestic violence in pregnancy may include the following:

• Emotional abuse. This includes name calling, verbally assaulting, harshly criticizing (stating you will not be a good mother,) intentional put-downs, etc.
• Financial abuse. Withholding money for basic needs or pregnancy/baby items, closely monitoring spending, keeping the pregnant person from working, or stealing money.
• Physical abuse. Forcing the use of drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes.
• Physical violence, such as hitting, kicking, biting, burning, or using weapons.
• Psychological abuse. Controlling everyday activities and limiting or banning interactions with family or friends, stalking, making threats, gaslighting, blocking access to a professional (such as a counselor or medical professional for prenatal care.)
• Reproductive coercion. Making threats or committing a violent act based on a decision to continue or end pregnancy, forcing someone to have an abortion.
• Sexual violence. Forcing any unwanted sexual act upon the pregnant person.
• Withholding medical care. Interfering with any pregnancy-related healthcare, from prenatal appointments to medications required for birth mother and/or child, such as prenatal vitamins or gestational diabetes treatment.

As the list above suggests, the phrase “domestic violence pregnancy” is an umbrella term for abuse and mistreatment during gestation. If you have faced any of these scenarios, you should seek professional help immediately. A professional counselor can assist you. If you are in physical danger, contact the police or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.

Many people in this situation are facing abuse before a pregnancy begins. Sometimes the news of an unplanned pregnancy can trigger intense emotions. Whether a birth parent is angry, jealous, or stressed about a change in lifestyle, intimate partner abuse may intensify.

The Impact of Pregnancy and a Baby

Navigating an unplanned pregnancy can be a stressful experience. The stress can be amplified when facing domestic violence. This abuse poses risks to both expectant mother and unborn child, causing both physical injuries and psychological harm. Potential pregnancy complications that may arise from domestic violence include:

• Fetal injuries
• Hemorrhaging
• Low birth weight
• Preterm delivery
• Placental abruption
• Uterine rupture
• Worst cases: Miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of the mother

While this can be scary, it is important to know that there are resources to help. If you can rely on someone you know for support, such as a trustworthy friend or relative, reach out to them immediately. It is critical that anyone who is facing (or has faced) domestic violence in pregnancy receive professional counseling. Domestic violence screening and counseling are covered under the Affordable Care Act, so you should never worry about the financial burden of pursuing professional help.

You can also contact a domestic violence organization or domestic violence shelter. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7. Call 800-799-7233 (SAFE) at any time.

Domestic Violence and Adoption

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be thinking about your options. Adoption may be one of the options you are considering. Making an adoption plan is a brave and loving decision. It means doing everything you can to ensure your child is raised in a safe, stable, and loving home. This selfless decision requires strength and devotion. You are putting your child’s needs before your own wants. Adoption is a courageous way to prioritize the well-being of yourself and your unborn baby.

The adoption process is made easier with the support and guidance of an adoption agency. This professional can walk you through the adoption journey every step of the way, ensuring your health and well-being are a top priority.

Adoption offers many benefits for expectant/birth parents. One of these benefits includes the free supportive services offered to those who choose adoption. At Adoptions With Love, expectant/birth parents planning adoption have access to the following free services:

• Housing. We can cover a deposit and several months of rent.
• Other living expenses, including utilities, phone bills, food, transportation, and maternity clothes, as needed.
• Medical care. We can help you find a midwife or doctor with whom you are comfortable and cover any uninsured medical bills related to the pregnancy and birth, reimbursed after the adoption is complete.
• Legal services. We work with experienced adoption attorneys who can ensure your rights are protected, walk you through the legal process, and answer any questions you may have about the adoption.
• Compassionate counseling. Our professional counselors can listen to you and work with you before and after the adoption is complete.
• Adoption planning support. We can help you custom design an adoption plan that meets your needs and help you find the perfect adoptive family for your baby.

Learn More About Adoption

If you are considering adoption, contact Adoptions With Love to learn more. If you are facing a domestic violence pregnancy, you are brave for facing this head-on and considering the best outcomes for your child. You can – and should – get the support that you deserve. We can offer you support, as well. Contact our experienced and compassionate staff any time of day, any day of the week. Call 800-772-7731, text us confidentially (617) 777-0072, or contact us online. We can help you safely make an adoption plan for your child, free from judgment, pressure, or criticism.