Domestic Violence—Childbirth Problems

While childbirth usually goes well, complications can happen. They can cause a risk to the mother, baby, or both. Possible complications include

• Preterm (premature) labor, when labor starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy
• Problems with the umbilical cord
• Problems with the position of the baby, such as breech, in which the baby is going to come out feet first
• Birth injuries

For some of these problems, the baby may need to be delivered surgically by a Cesarean section.

• Assisted delivery with forceps (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Brachial plexus injury in newborns (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Breech birth (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Caput succedaneum (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Meconium aspiration syndrome (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Premature rupture of membranes (Medical Encyclopedia)

Also called: Battery, Partner abuse, Spousal abuse

Domestic violence is a type of abuse. It usually involves a spouse or partner, but it can also be a child, elderly relative, or other family member.

Domestic violence may include

• Physical violence that can lead to injuries such as bruises or broken bones
• Sexual violence
• Threats of physical or sexual violence
• Emotional abuse that may lead to depression, anxiety, or social isolation
• Economic abuse, which involves controlling access to money
• Stalking, which causes fear for your own safety

The first step in getting help is to tell someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or co-worker. You can also contact your doctor or another health care professional, an emergency shelter, or a domestic violence helpline.

The first step in getting help is to tell someone you trust.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Domestic violence (Medical Encyclopedia)