Learning Objective #1: The learners will be able to discuss the effects of domestic violence during pregnancy on mother and fetus.

Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to emphasize the role of health care providers in creating awareness related to this issue.

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According to Jamila (Daily Times, July 12 2007) over half a million women died annually during pregnancy and childbirth and 99% of such cases occurred in the developing countries. The situation is more horrible in Pakistan.

Objectives

To identify the effects of domestic violence during pregnancy on mother

Method

The literature review of four Pakistani studies included cross sectional surveys and literature review were studied from 2006-2007 and two other studies were reviewed highlighting the magnitude of this problem in developing countries.

Result

The reported effects of domestic violence during pregnancy include emotional 32.4%, physical 13.4% and sexual abuse 6.7% in Karachi, Pakistan. The physical effects include injuries, fractures, skeletal deformities and GI problems. Emotionally, women suffer from feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, mistrust, mood swings, post traumatic stress disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, serious depressive conditions, suicidal thoughts, drug addiction and reach late for antenatal visits. The sexual impact includes forced abortion, vaginal lacerations, HIV and cytomegalovirus infections, bleeding and unintended pregnancy. However, more heartbreaking situation occurs when women's life have to pay the cost. Such complications include decreased fetal movement (20%), antepartum hemorrhage (13%), pregnancy induced hypertension (18%), obstructed labor (9%), pre-term labor (4%), and postpartum hemorrhage (2%) and emergency caesarean sections (44%) respectively (Friyal, Sadique, Razia & Anjum, 2006).

Conclusion

In conclusion, domestic violence is prevalent in Pakistan at an alarming rate. Annually an estimated one million pregnant Pakistani women are abused at least once during pregnancy. (Fariyal et al, 2006). Therefore, looking at the prevalence in Pakistan, health providers should realize this burden as domestic violence during pregnancy jeopardizes the maternal and fetal life. Moreover, Pakistani obstetricians should routinely screen pregnant women for any history of domestic violence during antennal visits.

Limitation:

Limited literature is present regarding the effects of domestic violence during pregnancy on fetus, in Pakistan.