When Pregnancy Isn’t “Safe”: The Struggle of Intimate Partner Violence and Traumatic Stress on Women’s Mental and Physical Health

INTRODUCTION: 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.