The Overpowering Rate of Physical Abuse in Pregnancy

Women have several things to take care of and they are considered as vulnerable human being. And when she steps into her pregnancy her care and attention multiplies in order to keep up the health of her and her child. But unfortunately many women face physical abuses even during their pregnancy which comes out to be shocking piece of information to all of us. Why they are been assaulted even in such a tender state? And why the number of such cases has not been able to curb?
The increase rate of physical abuse in pregnancy has triggered the legislation to enforce a law against this crime. But still we are unable to quell this predicament which occurs in every sixth house in a hush manner.  

Some important key term and their definitions

Physical abuse

It includes but is not limited to kicking, pushing, slapping, choking, grabbing, biting, shoving, punching and hitting. Physical abuse also includes the use of weapon or any other object to threaten or injure the person that may result to death.

Violence

It is restricted to the criminal code definitions of assault and sexual assault in order to capture violence. Violence by the marital partner is measured on the basis of a series of violent acts similar to those contained in the Conflict Tactics Scale.

Low birth weight

A birth weight below 2500 grams.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes

The negative fetal health or maternal physical or mental health outcomes due to physical abuse in pregnancy.

Issues that has caused pregnancy abuses

Reported to the survey, around 40% pregnant women undergo physical or metal abuses during their pregnancy. The specialists have divulged various factors and issue that are involved in provoking emotional or physical abuse during pregnancy. These are:

• Young people failed to get married
• Unemployed having unplanned pregnancy
• Unhealthy lifestyle
• Addiction of drugs and illicit practices

The most surprising and empathetic part is this that even an educated women, who in her full consciousness knows that this crime is happening with her, does not take any action against this brutal crime. Many women are suppressed in one or the other way to bottle up themselves mainly due to:

• Insecurity
• Fear of the spouse
• Hesitation
• Embarrassment
• Inability to confess

So do not hesitate to tell your doctor or caregiver about all the circumstances you are facing. Such physical abuse in pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, still birth, low birth weight and premature babies, fetal fracture, infection or rupture to mother’s membrane and chronic illness in the mother and baby. Hence it becomes utterly important to fight your personal matters in order to save your young one’s life. It is equally important for pregnant mothers to protect themselves and their baby in such stage.