Maternal-Fetal Effects of Violence in Pregnancy

Violence against women is an important public health problem and a human rights violation due to its prevalence and consequences. one out of every five women in the world is exposed to physical and/or sexual violence by their partners, and one out of every three women is exposed to any type of violence. in turkey, 26-57% of married women are exposed to physical or sexual violence. there are important maternal-fetal health consequences of exposing women to violence during pregnancy. firstly, violence in pregnancy is associated with high maternal and fetal / neonatal mortality and morbidity rates. maternal effects of violence in pregnancy; pregnancy complications such as prenatal bleeding, increased substance use, depression, anxiety, termination of pregnancy, cesarean, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes. fetal effects are; preterm delivery, low birth weight fetus, intrauterine growth retardation, placental anomalies, mental retardation retardation, injuries and high neonatal mortality. in particular, healthcare personnel who perform one-to-one care, counselling, follow-up and treatment in the health services they receive during pregnancy should observe and identify pregnant women who have experienced violence. when identified, it is important to control the health of the mother and her baby and to prevent further violence by cooperating with the necessary institutions. midwifery and nursing services are very important in diagnosis, monitoring and care of violence.