Intimate partner violence (IPV) and traumatic stress during pregnancy are major public health issues, particularly for women of color.
Method:
Using data from the 2019 to 2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, this cross-sectional study examines the association of IPV and traumatic stress on the prenatal physical and mental health of women of color who have recently given birth.
Results:
Hispanic women reporting IPV during pregnancy had increased odds of prenatal depression and diabetes compared to non-Hispanic White women with no IPV. Significant risk for diabetes was observed only among Hispanic women when stratified by race/ethnicity. Financial instability, partner incarceration, income, and being uninsured are structural factors that amplify these effects.
Discussion:
These findings highlight the value of culturally competent trauma-informed prenatal care, screens for IPV, and address systemic disparities. A collaborative initiative is necessary to ensure women can safely conceive by acknowledging survivor’s experiences and eliminating obstacles to reproductive health care.
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