Domestic violence by a partner or ex-partner during pregnancy doubles the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, according to new research.
Researchers from the University of Iowa analysed 50 studies into the effects of domestic violence by a partner or ex-partner on risk of preterm birth, low birth weight (less than 2,500 grammes) and small-for-gestational-age babies.
The combined results evaluated more than 5 million women from 17 countries, 15,000 of whom had experienced domestic violence.
Overall, the results found that domestic violence doubled the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
This risk was increased further for women who experienced two or more types of domestic violence during their pregnancy.
There were fewer studies which looked into the effect of domestic violence by a partner or ex-partner on the baby being small-for-gestational-age, however the results indicated a small increased risk.
"Domestic violence by a partner or ex-partner is of particular concern during pregnancy when not one, but two lives are at risk," said lead author Audrey Saftlas, professor at the University of Iowa.
"Although rates of domestic violence differ across the world, the detrimental effects of abuse on pregnant women are very clear and we must continue to establish effective interventions globally in order to prevent violence and to support women who report abuse," said Saftlas.
Domestic violence by a partner or ex-partner is one of the most common forms of violence against women and includes physical, sexual, financial, psychological or emotional abuse.
In England and Wales, more than one in four women has experienced at least one incident of this type of domestic violence since the age of 16.
About 1 million women a year experience at least one incident of domestic violence and two women a week are killed by their current or former partner.
Domestic violence by a partner or ex-partner can directly affect the growing foetus, through physical or sexual trauma, or indirectly due to increased maternal stress, inadequate nutrition and poor prenatal care.
The study was published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
