Intimate Partner Violence during pregnancy is associated with which of the following outcomes?

• A. Decreased risk of pregnancy complications
• B. Increased risk of pregnancy complications
• C. No impact on fetal outcomes
• D. Improved birth outcomes

Answer: (B)

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy raises the likelihood of problems arising during the pregnancy itself. This happens through a combination of physical injury, chronic stress, and behaviors that can worsen health, such as poor nutrition, substance use, and skipping prenatal care. Because of these factors, obstetric complications become more common—things like high blood pressure disorders, bleeding, placental problems, anemia, infections, and preterm labor. All of these are pregnancy-related issues, so the statement that there is an increased risk of pregnancy complications best captures the overall impact.

The other options imply either a protective effect or no effect, which isn’t supported by the evidence. While IPV can also lead to adverse fetal and birth outcomes (like low birth weight or preterm birth), the key pattern is the elevated risk of complications during the pregnancy itself, which is why this choice is the most accurate.