Experiencing physical violence during pregnancy: Prevalence and correlates

Violence during pregnancy directly impacts the mental and physical health of pregnant women. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of physical violence around the time of pregnancy in a representative sample of 6,718 women in South Carolina. Physical violence, defined as "being physically hurt by husband or partner" or "being involved in a physical fight" was reported by 10.9% of recently pregnant women. These were correlates of violence: experiencing increased numbers of stressful life events, being unmarried, having increased parity, being on Medicaid, and having an unwanted pregnancy. Screening to identify Violence in pregnancy in health care settings is vital to maternal and child health. However, identifying Violence is not enough; community resources and clinic-based support are needed to help women deal with violence in their lives.