Physical violence during pregnancy: prevalence and outcomes

To assess frequency of physical violence during pregnancy by women's husbands and to study its maternal complications and birth outcomes. Material &

We used data from 406 women who delivered infants in a postpartum ward at Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran. Data on physical violence and pregnancy outcomes were collected via a questioner that contained 30 items. Outcome data included labor and delivery complications, LBW and preterm births. Statistical tests including chi - square and odds ratio were performed to determine differences between two groups and severity of associations.

The frequency of physical violence was 10.7%. There were associations between domestic violence and maternal low education and drug abuse and cigarette smoking. Also hospitalization during pregnancy and inadequacy of prenatal care and unwanted pregnancy and LBW, preterm delivery were higher in women who had experienced domestic violence.

There are associations between physical violence and maternal complications and birth outcomes. Screening for domestic violence during early pregnancy is suggested for all women.