Maternal and fetal outcomes of intimate partner violence associated with pregnancy in the Latin American and Caribbean region

Background: Very high rates of intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPV-P) are reported in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) but data on prevalence and obstetric-related outcomes are limited.

Objectives: To conduct a literature review on risk factors, prevalence, and adverse obstetric-related outcomes of IPV-P in LAC.

Search strategy: Systematic review of studies in MEDLINE (1946-2012) and LILACS (1982-2012), and hand searching of reference lists of included studies. Search terms were variations of partner abuse and pregnancy in LAC.

Selection criteria: Studies were excluded if they did not include IPV-P prevalence or if the perpetrator was not an intimate partner.

Data collection and analysis: Study quality was assessed via US Preventive Services Task Force criteria.

Main results: In the 31 studies included, prevalence rates ranged from 3% to 44%. IPV-P was significantly associated with unintended pregnancies and adverse maternal (depression, pregnancy-related symptom distress, inadequate prenatal care, vaginal bleeding, spontaneous abortion, gestational weight gain, high maternal cortisol, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, STIs) and infant (prematurity, low birth weight, neonatal complications, stillbirth) outcomes (grade II-2 and 3 evidence).

Conclusions: IPV-P is highly prevalent in LAC, with poor obstetric-related outcomes. Clinicians must identify women experiencing IPV-P and institute appropriate interventions and referrals to avoid its deleterious consequences.