Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Intimate partner violence and pregnancy intentions: a qualitative study
Kathleen Baird1,2, Debra Creedy1, Theresa Mitchell3
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Qld, Australia.
Women experiencing intimate partner violence often have unintended pregnancies due to lack of control over birth control. This impacts their well-being and that of their children.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) and unintended pregnancies pose significant risks to maternal and child health.
- Understanding women's experiences within this context is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore women's pregnancy intentions and experiences with intimate partner violence.
- To gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between IPV and reproductive choices.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study using feminist and phenomenological philosophies.
- In-depth interviews with 11 women who had been pregnant within the last two years and experienced IPV.
- Experiential data analysis to identify key themes.
Main Results:
- Three themes emerged: male control of contraception, partner's reaction to pregnancy, and women's mixed feelings.
- Women reported limited control over sexual and birth control decisions.
- Vulnerability and fear for infant safety increased due to ongoing violence during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Women experiencing IPV are more prone to unintended pregnancies, often due to male dominance and fear impacting contraceptive management.
- Violence diminishes women's initial pregnancy excitement, replacing it with uncertainty.
- Findings suggest a framework for healthcare providers to better support women experiencing IPV during pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Relationship Formation
Teratogenicity
Moment of a Couple: Problem Solving
The moment of a couple is found by multiplying the magnitude of one of the forces by the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the two forces. This creates a twisting force, which can be used to rotate an object. The moment of a couple is used to solve problems...

