Screening for domestic violence during pregnancy

Domestic violence is an international social issue and significant cause of trauma. Pregnant women are at risk for intentional trauma and pose unique challenges for care. Patients are often not truthful about the mechanism of injury and are reluctant to seek care. Prenatal and postpartum care can be adversely affected if the woman continues in the abusive relationship. A careful approach to screening all pregnant trauma patients is presented to help clinicians with assessment for intentional trauma.