If your partner is violent
One in four women experiences domestic abuse or domestic violence at some point in their lives. This may be physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse. More than 30% of this abuse starts in pregnancy, and existing abuse may get worse during pregnancy or after giving birth.
Domestic abuse during pregnancy puts you and your unborn child in danger. It increases the risk of miscarriage, infection, premature birth, and injury or death to the baby.
Find out how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse.
Getting help
If you are pregnant and being abused, there is help. You can speak in confidence to:
- your GP
- midwife
- obstetrician
- health visitor
- social worker
Information about you won't be shared with other services without your permission, unless there's a concern that your unborn child or other children in your family, or someone else, is at risk of serious harm.
Or you can call the confidential 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This helpline is free and run in partnership by Refuge and Women's Aid. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Find out about getting help if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Your health, your choices