An emerging literature is beginning to document the relationship between a history of violence victimization and pregnancy intendedness. In this study of 5112 prenatal patients in North Carolina, women were queried about their history of lifetime physical violence and sexual violence. Women were also asked about the intendedness of their current pregnancy, and whether this pregnancy was planned, mistimed, or unwanted, according to the NSFG classification of pregnancy intendedness. Among women who planned their pregnancies, about 12% experienced physical violence before pregnancy and about 9% experienced sexual abuse before pregnancy. Among women with mistimed unintended pregnancies, 16% experienced physical violence before pregnancy, and about 14% experienced sexual abuse. Among women with unwanted pregnancies, 24% had experienced physical abuse before pregnancy and 21% experienced sexual abuse. The p-values based on chi-square tests examining the differences between planned, mistimed, and unwanted pregnancies were 0.07 for women who had been physically abused prior to this pregnancy and 0.03 for women who had been sexually abused prior to this pregnancy. We see similar patterns for abuse during pregnancy, but there were very small numbers in some cells. Specifically, very few of the women whose pregnancies were intended reported experiencing abuse, particularly sexual abuse. This study has implications for health and social service providers who work with women of reproductive age.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to: 1. Articulate the association between a history of physical violence and pregnancy intention. 2. Articulate the association between a history of sexual violence and pregnancy intention. 3. Describe the exposure response patterns of violence among women with planned, mistimed, and unintended pregnancies
Keywords: Battered Women, Pregnancy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.