Indicators for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable time for women in terms of violence. Research shows that there is a higher incidence of abuse among pregnant women, with even greater risk to pregnant or parenting teens. It is not uncommon for abuse to start or to increase during pregnancy, with adverse effects to the mother and fetus.
| Pre-natally |
|
| Several missed appointments |
Feigned labour to avoid being at home |
| Premature contractions |
Sexually transmitted diseases |
| Threatened abortion |
Miscarriages |
| Late prenatal care (e.g. 2nd or 3rd trimester) |
Fear of partner |
| Direct trauma to uterus |
Unhappy about the pregnancy |
| Discusses termination of the pregnancy |
|
During Labour and Hospital Stay
Her partner will try to make decisions about how to deal with the pain she is experiencing
Her partner may present as controlling, display inappropriate behaviour, or smell of alcohol
After her visits with her partner, the woman seems visibly distressed
Her partner is absent from the labour room or does not leave the woman alone during extended labour
(i.e. will not leave labour room for meals or breaks)
Post-natally
? The child may have low birth weight
? The woman may be hesitant to leave hospital
? The woman may miss appointments
? The woman may not return for post-natal clinic visits
? Her partner calls to cancel post-natal visits |
