Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and the risk for adverse infant outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence ( IPV ) is of particular concern during pregnancy when not one, but two lives are at risk. Previous meta‐analyses have suggested an association between IPV and adverse birth outcomes; however, many large studies have since been published, illustrating the need for updated pooled effect estimates. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between IPV during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth ( PTB ), low‐birthweight ( LBW ), and small‐for‐gestational‐age ( SGA ) infants. Search strategy: We searched PubMed and SCOPUS (from inception until May 2015), and the reference lists of the relevant studies. Selection criteria: Observational studies comparing the rates of at least one adverse birth outcome ( SGA , LBW , or PTB ) in women who experienced IPV during pregnancy and those who did not. Data collection and analysis: Data extracted from 50 studies were pooled and pooled odds ratios were calculated using random‐effects models. Main results: Intimate partner violence ( IPV ) was significantly associated with PTB ( OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.60–2.29) and LBW ( OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.68–2.65), although a large level of heterogeneity was present for both ( I 2 = 84 and 91%, respectively). The association with SGA was less pronounced and marginally significant ( OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02–1.84), although fewer studies were available for meta‐analysis ( n = 7). Conclusions: Our meta‐analysis indicates that women who experienced IPV during pregnancy are at increased risk of having a PTB , and an LBW or an SGA infant. More studies examining the association between IPV and SGA are needed. Tweetable Abstract: Meta‐analysis of IPV during pregnancy finds increased risk for preterm birth, LBW and SGA infants.