Fetomaternal outcome after physical Domestic Violence during pregnancy.

Abstract

Pregnancy by itself imposes great physical and psychological pressures on a woman and consequently, coupled with other stressors such as violence, can have adverse effects on the fetus and mother. Objectives: To identify the association of physical domestic violence with unfavorable feto maternal outcome. Study Design: Observational Cross Sectional Review. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit 4 at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad. Period: Six months from June 2017 to December 2017. Material & Methods: All pregnant females admitted in department of OBS and Gynae for various obstetrical and gynaecological problems because of bodily domestic violence. Results: Overall 196 pregnant females were selected in review, mean age was 26.32±4.36 yrs. On assessment of maternal outcome females were presented as; preterm labor in 34.2% females, Antepartum hemorrhage in 25.5%. On fetal outcome Miscarriage in 31.1%, intrauterine mortality (IUD) in 15.3%, Stimulated miscarriage in 12.8%, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in 12.8%, Neonatal mortality (NND) in 9.2% & Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was seen in 18.9% cases. It was found that the age, socio-economic status, maternal education, occupational status, education of husband, addiction of husband, parity, physical and psychological forms of violence, marriage duration, were significantly associated with maternal and fetal outcome (p value < 0.05) due to bodily domestic violent behavior. Conclusion: We concluded that domestic violence during the course of pregnancy has been identified as being a significant factor affecting health of mother and fetus.