Mother-newborn health indicators in possible victims of gender-based violence during pregnancy

Abstract

BackgroundPregnancy increases the risk of gender-based violence, considered an underdiagnosed public health problem. ObjectiveTo determine the association between the situation of possible gender-based violence in the pregnant woman and variables related to pregnancy, labor, puerperium, and newborn health. DesignAn observational multicenter study. SettingsThree Spanish hospitals during 2015. Participants141 pregnant women in which information is collected sociodemographic variables and data related to pregnancy, labor, and puerperium were gathered by interview and from clinical records. Comparisons of means and logistic regression analyses were performed, calculating crude and adjusted odds ratios. ResultsThe study included 141 women; 44 in a situation of possible abuse required more medication during labor (p=0.018), had less early skin contact with their newborn (p=0.021) and more non-reassuring cardiotocography traces (p=0.012), and reported greater pain during labor (p=0.013). The children of the mothers in this situation had a lower mean Apgar score (p˂0.059), less frequently began breastfeeding early (p=0.008), and had higher risk of low birth weight (p˂0.001). ConclusionThe situation of possible abuse in pregnant women may negatively affect their pregnancy, their pain and need for medication during labor, and other newborn health indicators, among other health parameters.