Research has shown that
domestic violence often manifests for the first time or increases in
severity during pregnancy. The number of unwanted or unplanned
pregnancies and terminations is higher among women experiencing
domestic violence. Abused women have a higher rate of miscarriage,
stillbirths, premature labour, haemorrhaging, low birth weight babies
and injuries to the foetus including fractures. Other immediate
effects on pregnancy include:
• Rupture of uterine, liver
or spleen
• Premature rupture of the
membranes
• Vaginal bleeding
• Exacerbation of chronic
illness
• Blunt trauma to the
abdomen
• Complications during
labour
• Foetal injury/death.
The Department of Health -A
Resource Manual for Healthcare Professionals and the ‘Why Mothers Die
’ Report both indicate that a screening process conducted by health
professionals is essential for identification of pregnant women at
risk of domestic violence. This will be most effective when conducted
by midwives initially at the booking in visit and on at least one
other occasion during pregnancy. This can also be carried out at the
general practice. Where patients receive private ante-natal services
the screening process should be conducted by the consultant
obstetrician responsible for the patient ’s care. Agencies and
professionals who come into contact with pregnant women should
always use the screening process, as far is appropriate when:
