Learning Objective #1: Discuss how pregnancy and childbirth may be different for the abused woman

Learning Objective #2: Describe the issues the abused woman may have during the postpartum time

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Childbirth is a powerful experience, representing a time of role change and transition. For many women, this childbearing year is perceived to be one of the most important years in their lifetime. The body of research on the childbirth experience has not considered the abuse status of women, therefore we do not know how a history of abuse might have influenced prior findings. The purpose of this study was to describe the childbirth experiences of women who have been physically abused by an intimate male partner while they are pregnant.

Phenomenology was utilized for data collection and analysis. The sample consisted of 11 women, who were residing in shelters in the State of Virginia and Maryland. Themes for this research were developed through grouping of categories of similar strips of information, which gave meaning to the birth experience. The findings clustered around five themes that parallel the women's lives. The themes included: “Each Day Is a Challenge,” “Happy to Be Pregnant,” “Nothing Like (Being a) Momma…Your Whole World Changed,” “I Had to Leave,” and “Crawling before Walking.” The theme “Each Day Is a Challenge” reflects the environment of abuse the women experienced and gives context to explore their pregnancy and birth experiences. “Lucky to Be Pregnant” examines the women's reactions to their pregnancy. “Nothing Like Being a Momma” describes the birth experiences of the women. The theme of “I Had to Leave” discusses the postpartum experiences the women had and the realization that they finally had to leave their relationships. “Crawling before Walking” describes what it is like to be starting a new life as a free woman, the peace they are experiencing, and caring for children.

Birth is a complex phenomenon, especially for abused women. Several new findings were identified providing insight into how abused women experience childbirth.